BELVEDERE, Schiele-Death And The Maiden

The work you are admiring, entitled "Death and the Maiden", depicts a particularly painful time in the life of its author, already marked by the early death of his father, a turbulent relationship with his mother, and an accusation of relations with a 14-year-old girl.

At the age of 21, Schiele fell in love with 17-year-old Wally Neuzil, the female figure in the painting, marking the start of a profound romantic relationship that lasted almost five years. As well as his lover, the beautiful red-haired young woman became his muse and model.

This painting, from 1915, shows Schiele and the girl entwined in a dramatic final embrace. Schiele had married Edith Wharms the year before, perhaps partly driven by financial interests, and was thus compelled to leave Neuzil.

If you look closely at the painting, you’ll see that the intense color of Wally's dress contrasts with the dark habit of Death, depicted with Schiele’s own face. Note the fixed stare of the artist, almost petrified with pain. The embrace of the two figures marks the end of a deep bond between the two that began during their youth and was undermined by scandal and prejudice. Theirs was not a physical death, but both mourned their separation....