Observed in a Dream — Egon Schiele

ABOUT THIS WORK

In "Observed in a Dream," a lone figure, rendered in watercolor and graphite, seems to emerge from a hazy, undefined space. The work’s title hints at the unsettling, almost hallucinatory quality of the scene. The figure's body is contorted, with angular limbs and a stark, almost skeletal quality that is characteristic of early Expressionism. The delicate washes of watercolor create a sense of translucency, making the form appear ephemeral, as if caught between states of being. This piece, created in 1911, captures a raw psychological intensity, inviting viewers to ponder the nature of perception and the subconscious mind. The limited palette and stark lines draw attention to the figure’s emotional state, a common thread in works from this period.

DETAILS

Artist: Egon Schiele
Date: 1911
Medium: Watercolor and graphite on paper
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions: 18 7/8 x 12 5/8 in. (47.9 x 32.1 cm)
Collection: Modern and Contemporary Art
Credit line: Bequest of Scofield Thayer, 1982

ART MOVEMENTS

Der Blaue Reiter Die Brucke Expressionism Jugendstil Vienna Secession

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

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01

Orange lips and closed eye

Look at the face tipped back at upper left. Bright orange lips and a single dark lash line on the closed eye give the head a still, sleeping look that fits the title.

1 of 5 on the painting

02

Orange accent at center

A flame-orange patch sits at the center of the body, the strongest color in the picture. It pulls the eye straight to the middle of the figure and gives the work its frank tone.

2 of 5 on the painting

03

Rings on the hands

Small rings glint on the hands, one green on the left and one blue on the right. These tiny jewel-like dabs are easy to miss amid the pale skin.

3 of 5 on the painting

04

Stockings and garters

Blue-edged stockings, a pink bow, a frilled red garter and lilac stripes bring bright, decorative color to the lower half. They frame the spread legs and add to the sense of display.

4 of 5 on the painting

05

Pooled black wash

The dark mass behind the figure is loose watercolor that pooled and streaked. Its wet, uneven texture contrasts with the thin pencil drawing of the body.

5 of 5 on the painting

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THE ARTIST