Woman Buttoning Her Shoes (recto); Study for Reclining Nude with Arms Raised (verso)

Egon Schiele, a pivotal figure in Austrian Expressionism, created 'Woman Buttoning Her Shoes' in 1915, just a few years before his untimely death. This charcoal drawing exemplifies Schiele's characteristic intensity and his use of expressive lines and often twisted body shapes. Known for his raw exploration of human form and emotion, Schiele, who was mentored by Gustav Klimt, frequently depicted figures in intimate and psychologically charged moments. Here, the woman's focused gesture of buttoning her shoe is rendered with a striking immediacy, inviting the viewer into a private scene. The verso, 'Study for Reclining Nude with Arms Raised,' further highlights Schiele's preoccupation with the nude figure and his distinctive approach to capturing vulnerability and tension. This dual-sided work offers a glimpse into his working method and his consistent themes.