Egon Schiele
(1890-1918)
Portrait of Dr. Erwin von Graff, 1910
Oil, gouache and charcoal on canvas
Private Collection
This groundbreaking exhibition at the Neue Galerie New York explores the profound and formative relationship between Austrian Expressionist Egon Schiele (1890–1918) and the Viennese physician Dr. Erwin von Graff (1878–1952).
It is the first showcase dedicated to examining how the doctor’s medical background and personal patronage helped shape some of Schiele's most psychologically intense and expressive artwork
The connection between the artist and the doctor began in 1910 after Dr. von Graff assisted Liliana Amon—an acquaintance of Schiele—with childbirth. To express his gratitude, Schiele painted the doctor's portrait.
This initial encounter blossomed into a deeply influential friendship.
Dr. von Graff, who was among the first to recognize Schiele's immense talent and began collecting his work, granted the artist unprecedented access to the private wards of Vienna's Second University Women’s Hospital.
This access allowed Schiele to study the human form in highly vulnerable states, resulting in raw, emotionally charged depictions of pregnant women, newborns, children, and teenagers, particularly between the pivotal years of 1910 and 1912.
Exhibition Highlights
Featuring approximately 40 works spanning from 1910 to 1918, the exhibition illustrates Schiele's artistic evolution during this critical era.
Schiele’s 1910 oil painting, Portrait of Dr. Erwin von Graff. For the first time in over ten years, the final canvas is displayed alongside its two surviving preparatory sketches.
The painting depicts the 32-year-old doctor as a lean, athletic professional with a penetrating gaze.
Rather than posing him as a stationary scholar behind a desk, Schiele portrays a dynamic surgeon in clinical white attire, looking as though he has only briefly paused his work and might rush off to a medical intervention at any moment.
A poignant collection of Schiele’s hospital studies featuring mothers and infants, highlighting his deep exploration of life, death, and human frailty.
According to Renée Price, founding Director of the Neue Galerie, 1910 was the year Schiele truly found his voice as an artist, making the Graff portrait one of the most vital pieces in the museum's extended collection.
The bond between the two men remained strong until Schiele’s tragic death at age 28. In 1918, during the global flu pandemic,
Schiele's pregnant wife, Edith, passed away. Just three days later, Schiele himself succumbed to the illness.
Dr. von Graff was by his side during his final hours, administering an injection to help alleviate his friend's suffering.
Curated by Renée Price and Janis Staggs of the Neue Galerie, the exhibition is accompanied by a richly illustrated catalogue.
Authored by Elisabeth Dutz (Chief Curator of Graphic Art at the Albertina Museum) and designed by Bill Loccisano, the publication draws on newly discovered archival materials, including Dr. von Graff’s private diaries and never-before-seen photographs, offering fresh insights into this crucial chapter of Schiele's life and work.
Egon Schiele: Portrait of Dr. Erwin von Graff
The famous Neue Galerie New York currently hosts a fascinating new exhibition about Egon Schiele.
This unique showcase explores his profound friendship with the Viennese physician Doctor Erwin von Graff. Their vital connection began after the doctor helped deliver a baby for Schiele's close acquaintance. To express his deep gratitude, the young artist painted a striking portrait of the doctor.
Recognizing Schiele's immense artistic talent, Graff granted him special access to the local hospital wards.
This medical access allowed the painter to observe pregnant women and vulnerable newborn babies closely.
He clearly produced incredibly raw and emotional depictions of human frailty between 1910 and 1912.
The stunning centerpiece of this exhibition is the famous 1910 oil portrait of Doctor Graff.
Two surviving preparatory sketches are displayed alongside the final canvas for the very first time.
The striking painting depicts the dynamic young surgeon standing confidently in his clinical white clothing.
He looks ready to rush off and quickly perform a vital medical intervention at once.
This meaningful bond between the two men lasted until Schiele tragically died during the pandemic.
Doctor Graff stayed by his side and administered an injection to ease his terrible suffering.
Curators Renée Price and Janis Staggs organized this remarkable show featuring forty distinct historical artworks.
An illustrated publication by Elisabeth Dutz accompanies the gallery exhibition to provide deeper artistic context.
The book reveals newly discovered diaries and photographs that illuminate this deeply profound historical friendship.
