The Graphic Work of Egon Schiele (Das Graphische Werk von Egon Schiele)

The Graphic Work of Egon Schiele (Das Graphische Werk von Egon Schiele) by Egon Schiele is a significant portfolio published in 1922, comprising eight original graphic works: six drypoints and two lithographs. This compilation serves as a critical posthumous assessment of the Austrian artist's intense engagement with printmaking, an area where his highly expressive style found profound articulation.

Although Schiele died prematurely in 1918, this collection, often referred to by its German title, Das Graphische Werk von Egon Schiele, was published four years later to celebrate his mastery of line and form. Schiele’s characteristic use of drypoint, characterized by the burr that creates rich, velvety lines when the plate is printed, is particularly evident in these selections. The intensely graphic nature of the pieces allowed Schiele to pursue the raw emotionality central to Viennese Expressionism, stripping away superfluous ornamentation to focus intensely on psychological states and the distortion of the human body.

These prints represent some of the most powerful examples of the Expressionist movement, documenting Schiele's signature interest in introspective self-portraits and existential figure studies. The inclusion of both the deeply incised drypoint technique and the more fluid lithograph medium highlights the breadth of Schiele's exploration across the graphic classification.

As a cornerstone of early 20th-century Austrian art, the portfolio remains highly influential. The 1922 publication date marks a pivotal moment in the organized dissemination of Schiele's powerful artistic vision to an international audience. This important suite of prints is housed in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it ensures the continued study and appreciation of Schiele’s unique contributions to modern prints.