Egon Schiele, an Austrian painter, is one of the most controversial artists of the 20th century whose works continue to provoke strong reactions today. His twisted body shapes and expressive lines, which characterize his paintings and drawings, mark him as an early exponent of Expressionism.

Critics such as Kallir have commented on Schiele's work as being grotesque, erotic, pornographic, disturbing, and focusing on sex. At the dawn of the 20th century, European society was inclined to make sexuality a taboo subject, and Schiele's pieces were often banned, with the artist being called lewd and immoral.

Schiele's first muse was his younger sister Gertrude, whom he painted nude in some of his first pieces. There are critics and art historians who assume that the painter had a romantic attachment to her. Schiele's obsession led him to incarceration for an alleged seduction of a girl under the age of consent. It was during that time that he met Wally Neuzil, a seventeen-year-old girl, who would become his greatest muse and lead to the most prolific moment in his career.

Schiele's fiercely drawn lines and confrontational compositions command attention. His erotic art evokes feelings of discomfort, titillation, curiosity, and even repulsion, yet it bears testimony to his talent and passion. His beautifully crafted collection of erotic masterpieces showcases the themes Schiele wove into all of his work: a fascination with the human psyche and sexuality, and a desire to destroy the conservative facade of moral righteousness and expose the inner truth.

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