Letter from Egon Schiele to Anton Peschka, 14th Mar. 1918

Translation of the Transcription:

14th March.

Dear A. P. I wrote you a card yesterday and I presume that you may not have gotten it, which is why I am hereby writing to tell you the same things plus further details.
Our exhibition drew so many visitors on its opening day and especially on Sundays that it was difficult to move through it. All one could see was enthusiastic or appalled
people blocking the paintings. Without consulting anybody, the Secession committee decided to change two rooms in which your paintings were hung before the
exhibition opened. This is why none of your works were reproduced in the catalogue, – but two flower paintings have been put up, for which I had frames fitted, they represent you well, but not enough. – You must really get to work now, because this is
the best opportunity yet to expect a success.
You have read about the unusual acquisition on the first day. – People are longing for new art, – for movement; rejuvenated, they breathe a sigh of relief. – So try to come
to Vienna at once, – every day counts and is filled with promise. – No telegram was sent to you because the matter was not that important and no collection took place. They have written to you and as the exhibitor you must insist that you are remunerated.

The exhibition will close at the end of March and will move on at once. – I have established connections to the foreign office and I believe it is possible that the ministry might take on the exhibition.
Once you come to Vienna, work, – work! – So you can be better represented in the exhibitions to come. – You can get material from me, – you will have to paint on cardboard, because canvas is available only at enormous prices.
– If you can find strong canvas, bring it.
We hope to go to Holland soon so we can blot out the impression left by the exhibitions of the War Press Office in The Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
– As soon as you come to Vienna, visit me after 5 o’clock, my best regards until then!

EGON
SCHIELE
1918