Egon Schiele
In 1907, at the age of 17, Egon Schiele began to break free from the conventional teachings of the Vienna Academy. Drawn towards the more innovative art of the Viennese Secession, especially the works of its leader, Gustav Klimt, Schiele found a mentor. Their initial meeting, likely at the Museum Café near Vienna's Secession building, led to a visit to Klimt's studio. There, Schiele, after showing his work, received the memorable remark from Klimt: "Talent? Yes, too much talent."
From that pivotal year came one of Schiele's most remarkable oil paintings, Port of Trieste. This artwork, illustrating boats in the Trieste harbor, offers a glimpse into Schiele's evolving style. The choice of Trieste, frequented by Schiele in 1907 often with his dear sister Gerti, was possibly because of its sentimental value as his parents' honeymoon destination. Away from the confinements of home and the Academy, Trieste provided the freedom Schiele craved to chase his own artistic vision.
Schiele often looked back at his Trieste visits with fondness. In 1912, during a short incarceration, he took solace in memories of Trieste, drawing its boats from his recollections. "I dreamt of Trieste," he reflected in his diary, expressing his deep yearning for the sea and the freedom it represented.
In this painting, Schiele's bold techniques showcased his exceptional talent, especially in the expressionistic portrayal of reflections. Using unconventional methods, like etching wet paint with a pencil or brush's reverse end, he brilliantly captured water reflections.
This amazing painting is featured in our Sea, Ships & Beaches 50 Postcards Set in our DailyArt Shop. :)
P.S. Egon Schiele produced some one-of-a-kind landscapes but he's most famous for his scandalous nudes that shocked the early 20th-century audience!
P.P.S. For more of Schiele's art, see our articles below!