Nestled in lush greenery, the Vltava winds its way through the landscape in a large loop. In the background are the hills of the Bohemian Forest, from which some trees stand out cheekily. Their mighty crowns weigh in front of the glowing horizon. At the center of the 1916 painting, however, are the colorful buildings of the small town of Krumlov. Provided with loving details, Egon Schiele portrayed the houses of the South Bohemian town. The view from an elevated perspective shows the crooked roofs and nested buildings. They reflect the aesthetics of a bygone era. Through their open windows they exude a summery charm and the strong red and orange tones of the facades set lively accents.

Krumau was the birthplace of Egon Schiele's mother. Although he lived there for only a short time, he was fascinated by the historic buildings and narrow, winding streets. The picturesque little town inspired him and became one of his favorite motifs. Even today, the historic center is preserved and a walk through the village brings the painting to life. Krumau has been the home of the "Egon Schiele Art Center" since 1992 and makes clear what significance the city had for the painter.

Less idyllic than the motif is the moving story of the picture. His Jewish owners had to flee from the Nazis in 1938 and the painting was confiscated by the Gestapo. Four years later, the German art dealer Wolfgang Gurlitt acquired it. When he ran into financial difficulties, he sold the "Landscape in Krumau" together with other plants to the city of Linz. Without knowing that it was NS robbery art, the Neue Galerie Linz exhibited the picture. Only 50 years later, it was returned to the heirs of its rightful owners. In 2010, the painting made a sensation: at an auction in London, it bought an unknown buyer for the equivalent of 18 million euros. It almost doubled its estimated price.

---

Landscape at Krumau by Egon Schiele. Available as an art print on canvas, photo paper, watercolor board, uncoated paper or Japanese paper.
houses · epressionist · town · trees · road · Lentos Kunstmuseum, Linz, Austria / Bridgeman Images