The Cult of Egon Schiele

Although he only lived to be 28 years old, Egon Schiele was one of the most talented figurative painters of the 20th century. He was a protégé of Gustav Klimt, and his work is noted for its intensity and raw sexuality. His numerous self-portraits have taken on a cult status since his early death in October 1918.

The twisted body shapes and the expressive line that characterize Schiele's paintings and drawings mark the artist as an early exponent of Expressionism.

 On June 21, 2013, Auctionata in Berlin sold a watercolor from 1916, Reclining Woman at an online auction for €1.827 million (US $2.418 million).

This is a world record for the most expensive work of art ever sold at an online auction.