1915, Egon Schiele, Transfiguration (The Blind II) -- Leopold Museum (Vienna)
From the museum label: Transfiguration was painted in the first half of 1915 and is one of the most enigmatic works from this time. Two figures seem to be floating above a fragmentary, stylized landscape, with the lower figure more firmly rooted to the ground. In this double portrait, the artist, who formerly often depicted himself as a "seer," is now also blind. One possible interpretation is that Schiele is taking leave of his former self and his youthful narcissism, which was "blind to others," while the more mature Schiele, who remains grounded, is "blind to himself" -- for now. In a time of turmoil, this confrontation with the self was inevitable: separation and marriage, world war and its life-changing consequences made it necessary for Schiele to adapt to completely new circumstances and roles.
1915, Egon Schiele, Transfiguration (The Blind II) -- Leopold Museum (Vienna)
From the museum label: Transfiguration was painted in the first half of 1915 and is one of the most enigmatic works from this time. Two figures seem to be floating above a fragmentary, stylized landscape, with the lower figure more firmly rooted to the ground. In this double portrait, the artist, who formerly often depicted himself as a "seer," is now also blind. One possible interpretation is that Schiele is taking leave of his former self and his youthful narcissism, which was "blind to others," while the more mature Schiele, who remains grounded, is "blind to himself" -- for now. In a time of turmoil, this confrontation with the self was inevitable: separation and marriage, world war and its life-changing consequences made it necessary for Schiele to adapt to completely new circumstances and roles.