Skizzenbuch 1839 - 1840

drawing, ink, indian-ink

drawing

natural stone pattern

naturalistic pattern

16_19th-century

detailed texture

geometric pattern

ink

german

abstract pattern

organic pattern

indian-ink

repetition of pattern

wooden texture

pattern repetition

layered pattern

"Skizzenbuch" is a sketch book cover created by Ludwig Metz in 1839-1840. The marbled paper cover features swirling patterns of brown and black, showcasing a technique that was popular during this time. This type of design was used on books and other objects for its decorative appeal and unique aesthetic. The cover, while not a work of art in itself, provides a glimpse into the style and materials used in the 19th century. The "Skizzenbuch" is currently held at the Städel Museum.

Comments

stadelmuseum about 1 year ago

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The sketchbook, used between winter 1839 and spring 1840, accompanied Ludwig Metz on trips to Höchst in Hessia. In addition to rather realistic depictions of the Church of Justinus, the castle or the medieval city wall, Metz also and above all recorded details of frieze ornaments, some of which he probably copied from master books or modelled after them. Unlike the architectural and city views captured in pencil, Metz did not date or label these ornamental studies. However, the artist coloured many of the precisely arranged frieze, tendril and palmette studies with a brush, and occasionally also drew them with a pen. They seem to fulfil the function of a sample collection and may have served Metz later as templates for his own works.For a full sketchbook description, please see “Research”