Schiele, Egon. (1890-1918)
Autograph Letter
Autograph letter from the important Austrian painter known for his intense, expressionist and often controversial works, to a Dr. Scheu (apparently the lawyer Dr. Jakob Scheu), regarding the repayment of a debt. May 7, 1914. Translated from the German, in part: "Dear Dr. Scheu, it is quite impossible at the moment for me to pay the whole debt of 247K for Mr. Holub; however, the week after next I will be able to pay a part, and I hope in the course of this month the rest. Best wishes, Egon Schiele." 1 p. of a bifolium on orange paper. Light creases; overall in fine condition. 6 x 8 inches (15.1 x 20.2 cm). Unpublished, not in Nebehay.1914 found Schiele enjoying success for the first time outside of Austria-Hungary, exhibiting in Rome, Brussels, and Paris, and beginning to learn the art of engraving from Robert Philippi and with the support of Arthur Roessler. It was also in 1914 that he first encountered Edith Harms, daughter of a master locksmith whose house was across the street from his studio, whom he would marry in 1915.
However, it was also a time of financial turmoil for Schiele. In January he exhibited in the Reininghaus Competition, and must have been disappointed not to win the prize of 3,000 kronen. Many of his letters from early 1914 find him making desperate attempts to sell paintings, while negotiating various debts. The debt referred to in this letter, to a tailor named Holub, remained unpaid for several years. On March 4, 1918, the lawyer Dr. Jakob Scheu wrote to Schiele with a reminder of his debt of 172 kronen 49 heller to the tailor, Holub (Nebehay, 1407), which Schiele wrote that he had repaid on on March 8, 1918 (Nebehay, 1414). Scheu's 1918 letter shows that the original debt was 247 kroner (see: www.schiele-dokumentation.at.)
A protégé of Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele was a major figurative painter of the early 20th century. His work is noted for its intensity and its raw sexuality, and the many self-portraits the artist produced, including naked self-portraits. The twisted body shapes and the expressive line that characterize Schiele's paintings and drawings mark the artist as an early exponent of Expressionism.
See:
C.M. Nebehay: Egon Schiele, 1890-1918: Leben, Briefe, Gedichte (Salzburg, 1979). (14732)
Autograph Letter Art & Design