Egon Schiele at His First Communion, with Melanie and Gertrude, c. 1903

The siblings Gertrude (1894–1981), Melanie (seated; 1886–1974) and Egon Schiele (1890–1918) posed for this photograph, likely taken around 1903, with an air of pride and contentment. They were photographed by the Tulln-based photographer Arthur Josef Blatt (1870–1934), who had a studio at Parkgasse 266 from 1898 to 1913. Gerti’s left hand casually rests on Melanie’s shoulder, who is holding a book and has taken a seat on an upholstered brass chair. On the right, her little brother is smiling into the camera, wearing a pocket square and a rose on the lapel of his dark blue suit to mark the occasion of his first communion. The shot conveys the cheerfulness and good humor that seems to have prevailed on account of this event.

KJ, 2024