Shaw or the Irony (Shaw oder die Ironie), Poster for a Lecture by Egon Friedell

Shaw or the Irony (Shaw oder die Ironie), Poster for a Lecture by Egon Friedell, is a significant design work created by Egon Schiele in 1910. Executed as a lithograph, this piece serves as a promotional poster for a lecture given by the prominent Austrian essayist and critic Egon Friedell, likely focusing on the work of the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw. Although the design was created in 1910, prints were officially published two years later in 1912. Schiele, known primarily for his intense self-portraits and early Expressionist figuration, was also active in applied arts and graphic design during this crucial period of modernism.

This design exemplifies the vibrant intellectual and cultural atmosphere of fin-de-siècle Vienna. While some of Schiele’s contemporaneous works displayed a radical departure towards psychological Expressionism, this piece, classified specifically as Design, adheres closely to the graphical clarity required for public communication. The lithograph showcases a disciplined application of line and form characteristic of the graphic output from this era in the Austrian capital. The work effectively bridges the gap between commercial art and fine art, a division often challenged by Secessionist and early modernist artists. Its existence confirms Schiele's versatility and participation in the broader artistic efforts within the city.

The historical importance of this poster is confirmed by its inclusion in the prestigious collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. While original impressions of this 1910 design are rare, the medium of lithography ensured that multiple prints were produced, helping to disseminate Schiele’s graphic style widely. Today, high-resolution reproductions of major Austrian works from this period often enter the public domain, making pieces like this crucial documentation of early 20th-century graphic innovation accessible for study.