Skizzenbuch 1869

This is the cover of a sketchbook by Ludwig Metz, a German artist born in 1822. Sketchbooks are fascinating objects for the social historian. They offer a window into the artistic process, before the finished art object is presented to the public eye. This sketchbook, now held by the Städel Museum, would have been a portable space for Metz to experiment with his ideas, record his observations, and develop his skills. Sketchbooks can act almost like visual diaries. By studying the contents of sketchbooks, we gain insight into the artist's influences, working methods, and perhaps even the social circles in which he moved. What was considered worthy of sketching? Was it landscapes, portraits, or studies of everyday life? Archival research can tell us more about how artists were trained in the 19th century, and about the role of institutions like the Städel Museum in shaping artistic careers, influencing taste, and creating markets for art.