Secession 49 Exhibition

1912–1916

Success at exhibitions across Europe

In 1912–1916 Schiele took part widely and successfully in exhibitions: his work was shown in Vienna, Budapest, Munich, Prague, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Zurich, Hagen, Dresden, Berlin, Rome, Cologne, Brussels and Paris.

January 1917

Transferred to Vienna: art comes first again

In January 1917, having done everything he could to get out of military service, Schiele was transferred to a military supply depot in Vienna and given no particular responsibilities. He was again able to focus on his art, and his output was prolific, reflecting the maturity of an artist in full command of his talents.

spring 1918

Klimt’s death: a claim to first place

After Klimt’s death in the spring of 1918 Schiele came to claim the role of Austria’s greatest artist.

28 October 1918

Edith dies of the Spanish flu

In the autumn of 1918 the Spanish flu pandemic reached Vienna; on 28 October Edith, six months pregnant, died of the disease.

28 – 31 October 1918

The last three days: a mirror and sketches of Edith

The very sick and weak Schiele was moved from the couple’s home to his in-laws’ house; for fear of contagion visitors spoke to him from afar by way of a mirror set up on the threshold between his room and the parlour; among his last visitors were his mother Marie and his sister Melanie. During the three days between Edith’s death and his own, Schiele drew a few sketches of her.

31 October 1918

Died