Köpfchen zur Einfassung der Veitschen Freskobilder im Städelschen Kunstinstitut 

Eugen Eduard Schäffer created this preparatory sketch on paper for fresco borders in the Städel Art Institute. The most striking aspect of this work is its process-oriented nature; it’s not the final product, but rather a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artist's planning. The simple medium of pencil on paper, with its immediate and accessible quality, emphasizes the initial stages of design, where ideas are tentatively explored. The artist has explored the forms, proportions, and arrangements of the portrait heads within the circular borders. The visible pencil lines reveal the artist's hand at work, adjusting and refining the compositions. Such a drawing underscores the labor involved in artistic creation. It reminds us that even grand artworks are built upon a foundation of planning, experimentation, and skilled craftsmanship. The act of drawing, often overlooked in favor of the finished artwork, takes center stage here. It invites us to consider the value of the creative process itself.