Melanie Schiele at Her First Communion, undated

Depicted in a three-quarter profile with her self-confident gaze directed slightly upwards, Melanie Schiele (1886–1974) is standing to pose for a portrait taken on the occasion of her first communion. She is dressed very festively in a baggy white dress with sparkling ornaments on its collar and sleeves as well as a veil hanging down to her knees and patent shoes decorated with bows. Melanie’s long hair is loose and falls to her waist, a delicate hair band is holding the soft curls of her hairline in place. The backdrop shows a landscape. Melanie was photographed at the studio of Josef Müller (?–1903), who had portrayed the Schiele family on several preceding occasions, see for instance: Adolf and Marie Schiele with Egon, Melanie and Elvira.

SH, 2024