Egon Schiele (1890-1918) was an Austrian artist and protégé of Gustav Klimt. He painted landscapes and portraits in the Modern Art Movement during his short life. He died of the Spanish Flu at age 28.

This piece is part of the Belvedere Collection in Vienna, Austria.

Schiele’s Four Trees is interesting in both technique and metaphor. Here we see trees tucked in one of many layers of earth and sky. The lower third planting of the trees causes them to extend through the skyground that he lightened for emphasis. The entire background is mottled and in sharp contrast to the precisely painted trees.

And there is much to guess about the trees. Three are holding their glorious leaves while one has let these fall, succumbing to gravity or an individual wind. This point of curiosity is joined by the two trunks of the second and fourth trees as you move from left to right. This piece seems designed to hold our eyes in wondering.

What is the meaning of this piece for you and what prayers does it evoke? I hope you will find a few moments to answer these in faith and spirit. And now and always may our meaning-making and prayers begin and end with “Thanks be to God.” Amen.

In gratitude,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church