Adolf Schiele (Sitting in the Center) with Work Colleagues, undated

Adolf Schiele (1851–1905) acted as a high-ranking railway official like his brother-in-law Leopold Czihaczek (1842–1929), who was a senior inspector for the North Railway. The photograph shows Adolf (front center) in his position as Tulln station master surrounded by his work colleagues. In early 1905, he died from progressive paralysis, leaving behind his wife Marie Schiele (1862–1935) and their three children. His death came as a grievous blow for the 38-year-old mother, as had his previous retirement due to illness in 1902. Several days before her husband’s death, Marie Schiele lamented in a letter to her sister-in-law: “Everything, everything is getting me down, nothing is enjoyable to me anymore – to watch Adolf – who was an intelligent man once – becoming increasingly demented every day is more than a person can bear!” To make matters worse, the father – likely in a state of mental confusion – burnt savings and share certificates, which meant that the family also faced financial difficulties.

KJ, 2024