The comparative analysis of the artworks of two Austrian expressionist painters Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka

A transformation not only developing new social perspectives but also completely changing the direction of art has begun in Wienna, capital of Austria by the end of 1800s. There was a transition to expression becoming independent by diverging from academic art and finding its source in psychology. Expressionist artists inspiring from the changing world of ideas in Vienna had created valuable works of modern art. Artists of this era had stood against the traditional ideas for beauty and attempted to reflect the theories on human spirit in their works. In this research, definitions of the term expressionism emerging from different fields are presented in the first place. Psychological, intellectual, philosophical and social effects of Expressionism which was considered as a discourse, movement, expression or inclination in the world of art and thought are studied. Minor movements in late 19thcentury constituting the basis of Expressionism, German artist groups bringing Expressionism to its peak in the early 20th century and the devastating effects of the First World War breaking out immediately after are, explored during this research. The impact of Expressionism on various areas like music, dance, theatre, cinema and literature and works of artists are briefly addressed. In the scope of this research, Austrian center of expressionism is discussed and the effect, duration and characteristics of its effect in this country are studied. In this comprehensive art movement, individual references are made to the autobiographic stories of two Austrian artists Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka and reflections of the significant events experienced on their paintings are inspected. The creative influence of their contemporary Austrian artist Gustav Klimt on both artists is also examined. A comparative analysis has been made by finding the similar and different aspects of the works of Schiele and Kokoschka. It can be seen that these two artists, with their original and independent Expressionist identities, had a pioneering role in the modern art movements of the 20th century. Keywords: Expressionism, Austrian Expressionism, Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka