Lot Essay
In 1907-08 Schiele was studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. In his early works he experimented with what he learnt in the academic milieu. He instilled a sense of linearism thereby mixing his awareness of the current artistic trends in Vienna with a need for a freer expression. In this work, Schiele has changed the traditional miniature portrait. The extreme close-up of the model's face in which she is forced to tilt her head back and raise her hand has created a portrait unique to Schiele.