Couple in the Countryside, 1908

On the Traunsee lake in the summer of 1908, Richard Gerstl (1883–1908) intensively dedicated himself to plein-air painting. In addition to landscape motifs, he also painted this double portrait. The identity of the couple remains unclear. According to unproven assumptions, the woman could be Mathilde Schönberg (1877–1923), with whom the young artist had a secret love affair. The male figure could be Alexander von Zemlinsky (1871–1942), Mathilde Schönberg’s brother, who became famous as a conductor and composer. The two subjects are gazing directly out of the picture, seemingly approaching the observers. Their features, however, are only hazily hinted at. Darkened areas and symbolic brushstrokes stand for eyes, noses and mouths. The hands of the lady are an amorphous mass of color that is spreading downwards. Breaking with the academic tradition, Gerstl abandons the principles of portrayal and realism and focuses on his painting style instead. His brushstrokes are broad, sweeping, energetic and spontaneous. In the background, the greens of meadow, hedge and orchard are shining in fresh shades, but no exact shapes are given.

AK, 2022