What is the value of my Egon Schiele painting?

Question

I have a canvas with a rather graphic image of a nude woman that is signed Egon Schiele with the date 1912 beneath it. It is in what I believe is its original frame. A friends Grandfather took it our of Germany when the nazis started to rise to power. I inherited it about 8 years ago. Its a very colorful image. She is wearing stockings, shoes, and a ribbon in her hair. She is quite thin, and I have the impression she may have been a prostitute from the pose that she is in.

It is an oil painting on canvas, which may be mounted on a board. The frame is a big squarish affair with gold paint decorations (little squares) on it. The over all dimensions are about 30 inches tall by 28 inches wide. She is wearing yellow stockings and has reddish hair...including her privates. She is reclining on a bed with a patchwork quilt. The background is white. Only the woman and the quilt have any meaningful color. Everything else is rather milky or gray. The brush strokes go every which way. Her skin is very strange and unhealthy looking. Its not a very friendly painting and has a place of honor up on the landing away from the windows.

Answer 1

If it truly is one of the surviving 1912 paintings, it is worth a mint. In 1912 Schiele was arrested and all of his artwork was to be burned, part of his sentence for his erotic art and escapades. Luckily some of the images survived. The model he had been using for his materials up until then had predominatly been Wally Neuzil - she was believed to only be 16 or 17 - but inspired him to make some of his best works. Take a look at the link below and click on images - there are a few 1911 drawings with Wally as the model (she usually posed partly naked, red hair - which sounds like your painting).
Best bet - make arrangements with a local reputable auction house for an appraisal, if not - take some pictures and send them to one of the larger auctions houses (Sotheby's, Christies - because if it is genuine painting, they would be happy to assist you in the appraisal and sale).

Answer 2

If it is Egon Schiele, then it is worth a lot (over $100K probably). But is it an Egon Schiele? That is the first question. Have the painting professionally photographed in color and black and white and have transparencies made. You'll want to photograph the whole piece and details and the signature.You'll need to send these to various museums and have experts give you an opinion (that is free, and they will vouch authenticity, but reputable museum experts do not give prices). Also, have Sotheby's, Christie's and Butterfield's take a gander and give their opinion and an estimate (also free).

If you want to sell it, then you can sell at auction (at any of the above auction houses--all are good) or with a reputable art dealer. Richard L. Feigen* in New York is a good one, and German Expressionism is one of his personal favorites.

*I worked for Richard long ago, and can vouch for his honesty and expertise as a dealer.

Answer 3

Oh my goodness....would you like to give it to me?

Egon Schiele's work is somewhat prophetic when it comes to the way the concentration camp victims looked.

Keep it or sell it, but get an extremely professional opinion/help.

He is one of the greatest turn of the century artists. I can't imagine how much $$ it is worth. Better yet, don't sell it. Keep it in that great family of yours.

Answer 4

Schiele is one of my favorites. If your painting is original, it is priceless and could fetch $millions in a well advertised auction. See the Schiele site...
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/schiele_egon.html
Even printed reproductions of his work sells for big bucks. Read his bio, it's quite a story and so tragic that he died so young.

Answer 5

Schiele Graphics

Answer 6

The Mona Lisa

Answer 7

If you are serious, you might have a treasure in your hands. Guard it safely.