Seminude with Arms Raised

"Seminude with Arms Raised" by Egon Schiele, executed in 1914, is a defining example of Austrian Expressionist draftsmanship. Rendered masterfully in graphite on paper, this drawing captures a female nude in a vulnerable and psychologically charged pose. The figure is depicted with her arms stretched tautly above her head, emphasizing the angularity, fragility, and emotional intensity that characterize Schiele’s approach to the human form during his most prolific period.

Schiele utilizes the graphite medium sparingly but decisively. His characteristic sharp, fragmented lines define the contours of the body, conveying volume and anatomical detail while simultaneously suggesting a state of profound emotional exposure. Unlike contemporaneous academic studies, this work strips away sentimentalism and classical ideals, presenting a figure marked by anxiety and introspection, reflecting the cultural tensions preceding World War I. The artist’s preoccupation with the self and the challenging depiction of female nudes became a cornerstone of his short but influential career, cementing his reputation as a visionary Expressionist.

The historical and artistic significance of this piece is considerable, and the work currently resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Through its intense focus on corporeal and psychological states, Schiele advanced the modern exploration of the body’s interior life. While the original drawing remains an essential museum study, high-quality prints and reproductions circulate widely, providing continuous access to the powerful legacy of this foundational Expressionist drawing.