A raw, expressive oil painting of the Traunsee by Richard Gerstl, featuring heavy brushwork and a cool, atmospheric palette.

Richard Gerstl produced this study of the Traunsee during his stays in Gmunden, a period marked by his intense association with the Schoenberg family. The work captures the Schlafende Griechin (Sleeping Greek Woman) mountain, a distinctive geological formation overlooking the lake. Gerstl applies paint with a heavy, gestural hand, prioritising the physical texture of the medium over precise topographical detail. The sky is rendered in sweeping, rhythmic strokes of pale blue and cream, which contrast with the darker, more angular forms of the mountain face.

His approach to the subject is immediate and visceral. The water is depicted through short, choppy marks that suggest the movement of the lake surface, while a small boat provides a sense of scale against the imposing mass of the mountain. Gerstl avoids the polished finish common to the academic traditions of his time, opting instead for a raw, direct application of pigment that conveys the atmosphere of the Austrian lake district. This painting reflects his broader interest in the psychological potential of colour and form, moving away from objective representation toward a more subjective interpretation of the natural world. The palette is dominated by cool tones, yet the energy of the brushwork prevents the scene from appearing static. It remains a clear example of his brief but intense career, during which he pushed the boundaries of Austrian art through his rejection of conventional aesthetic norms. The work is held in the collection of the Leopold Museum in Vienna, where it is recognised for its contribution to the early development of Austrian Expressionism.