A portrait by Richard Gerstl, 'The Fey Sisters (Karoline & Pauline)' captures the subjects with loose, expressive brushwork and a muted palette, characteristic of the artist's early Expressionist style.

Richard Gerstl, an Austrian painter associated with early Expressionism, created this portrait of the Fey sisters, Karoline and Pauline. Gerstl's brief but intense career produced a body of work characterised by emotional rawness and innovative techniques. He stands apart from many of his contemporaries due to his unique approach to portraiture and his exploration of psychological states. His life was cut short by suicide at the age of 25. The painting depicts the two sisters seated side by side, their figures dominating the composition. They are dressed in light-coloured gowns that blend into the background. Gerstl's brushwork is loose and expressive, with visible strokes that convey a sense of movement and energy. The colours are muted, with a focus on whites, creams, and browns, which adds to the painting's sombre mood. The faces of the sisters are rendered with a directness that captures their individual personalities, while also hinting at a shared familial connection. The background is indistinct, drawing attention to the figures and their relationship.