Oskar Kokoschka (1886-1980) was an Austrian artist and writer, acclaimed for his intense expressionistic portraits and landscapes. Born in Pochlarn, Austria, Kokoschka's early works were intertwined with the avant-garde spirit of Vienna around the turn of the 20th century. His portraits, marked by a passionate use of color and disconcerting depictions of the human psyche, made him a central figure in the Expressionist movement. After serving in World War I, his style matured, integrating a more holistic view of humanity within the vastness of nature. Perceived as a "degenerate" artist by the Nazis, Kokoschka fled Austria in the 1930s. Despite facing adversity, his prolific career spanned nearly eight decades, cementing his legacy as a titan of 20th-century art.