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Gerstl and Schoenberg first met in 1906. After having checked Gerstl´s painting competences at Heinrich Lefler´s school of painting, Schoenberg asked Gerstl to paint portraits of himself and later of his wife Mathilde and their daughter Gertrud. Schoenberg´s interest in painting was actually arroused by Gerstl. In turn Gerstl later said, Schoenberg´s music inspired him in his own work. The first Schoenberg painting is dated 1908.

The relationship between Gerstl and the Schoenberg has improved and deepened.

Gerstl was often seen at musical events with Mathilde Schoenberg, her husband knew about it.

In 1907 they all spent the summer together in Traunstein. There the friendship between Gerstl and Mathilde Schoenberg probably turned into a love affair.

Schoenberg son realised what was going on.

One year later, in summer 1908, Schoenberg accidentally surprised them in bed.

He immediately left for Vienna .

Months later Gerstl took Mathilde to Gmunden. Schoenberg followed them. He begged Mathilde to return to him. On behalf of their children she finally decided to leave Gerstl.

Gerstl suffered severe mental damage already during the affaire.

He comitted suicide in the night of the 4.th of November in 1908.

The scenery was rather shocking. He had stabbed and hung himself in front of a mirror.

Schoenberg thought of suicide as well. He didn't do it however. Instead he started to compose an opera in 1908: Die glückliche Hand (the lucky hand). It was finished in 1913. This "drama with music" obviously reflected the shock the relationship between Gerstl and Mathilde had caused.