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Houses on the River (the Old Town)
- Original dimensions
- 120.5 x 100 cm
- Museum
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
- Year
- 1914
Scene depicted
In this painting , Schiele delivers a composition where the houses are geometrically outlined, their silhouettes reflecting on the calm water. The scene evokes a moment frozen in time, a tribute to urban architecture that dances to the rhythm of the seasons and climates, immersing the viewer in an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and dynamic.
Historical context
Created in 1914, in the vibrant context of imperial Vienna, this painting stands at the heart of the expressionist movement. Egon Schiele , an iconic figure of this era, captures the unique essence of the old town. Today, this canvas adorned with captivating hues is located at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, testifying to the major artistic legacy of its time.
Place in the artist's career
This painting , at the crossroads of graphic innovation and raw emotion, represents a crucial step in Schiele's career. While works such as “The Kiss” and “Self-Portrait” testify to his exploration of the human psyche, this one asserts itself as an ode to the landscape, revealing his sensitivity to the environment around him in full transformation.
Anecdote
“I paint my own reality,” Schiele is said to have declared one day, evoking the intense inspiration that drove him during the creation of his masterpiece . Imagine him, facing the river, feeling the first rays of dawn on his canvases, his heart vibrating to the rhythm of the waters that whisper forgotten secrets.