Still Time To See Gerstl Show
Discover the Austrian Expressionist Richard Gerstl at the Neue Galerie in the first US survey of his work (until 25 September). Through around 55 paintings and works on paper, prominently including his penetrating self-portraits (such as a large painting in which he looks Christ-like), the show tells the compelling and ill-fated story of the artist’s friendships with his frequent patrons and sitters. Among them were Arnold Schönberg and his wife Mathilde (pictured) —with whom Gerstl had an affair. (After it was discovered, Gerstl committed suicide at age 25.) His small, bucolic landscapes—which are just as compelling as the portraits—are a delightful counterpoint to the intensity of his portraits.
