Studienblatt_ Der Heilige Christophorus 

Curator: This drawing, housed here at the Städel Museum, is entitled *Studienblatt: Der Heilige Christophorus*. It's rendered in red chalk, by Otto Scholderer. Editor: Immediately, the first thing that strikes me is its ghostly, ethereal quality, isn’t it? Like faded frescoes, figures barely there, fighting their way into being. Curator: A fitting impression, as that's very typical of the Academic style, that emphasizes idealized forms but here are rough initial shapes to it! And yes, Otto worked often within classical themes to history painting but was committed to detailed prep drawings... Editor: The scale too, notice it? This looks like one of those monumental figures made humble, accessible, with simple means. We have here humble paper, basic dry media, and chalk, but the artist has aimed to reach classic Realism and to catch its fleeting expression! Curator: The subject, St. Christopher, usually the bearer of great weight as he carried Christ. And this looks almost as if it might've been preparatory sketches toward realizing more formal and intricate details... Editor: Indeed, it highlights labor itself: labor, not only to perform those sketches, but the making of its means! How they shaped it, touched it. Look at how the chalk has layered to represent depth through minimal marks. Curator: The hand gripping an unseen staff becomes almost the central, most resolute figure among those quick marks of humans to create a dramatic moment. Even in that sketchy medium! Editor: Absolutely, and to push on those sketches with precision speaks volumes about Otto Scholderer's making of work and life; how he perceived art's value... beyond mere representation! Curator: So true. To capture those little moments makes a full statement to his dedication, though that doesn't undermine this final draft—that rough approach creates a powerful insight of St. Christopher as the legend says! Editor: We agree then, that these "quick sketches" in this material world, whisper greater themes regarding craft and intention, far beyond visual representation of holy legends and religious context...