Herr Knopp wird im Wirtshaus begrüßt 1876

Wilhelm Busch, born in 1832, created this pen and ink drawing, titled 'Herr Knopp wird im Wirtshaus begrüßt', or 'Mr. Knopp is greeted in the tavern', which is now held at the Städel Museum. Busch, a 19th-century German artist, lived during a period of significant social upheaval and industrialization. He offers a glimpse into the cultural norms and social interactions of his time. The drawing shows a scene from everyday life, yet it is tinged with the potential for commentary on class and gender dynamics within the tavern setting. Notice how the characters are positioned; their gestures and expressions suggesting an environment ripe with social performance. There is a somewhat theatrical welcome of Herr Knopp by the men in the tavern. Busch’s sketch provides insight into the rituals and societal expectations that shape social identities. Busch's work prompts us to consider the relationship between individual identity, social spaces, and the unspoken rules that govern our interactions.