Selbstbildnis des Künstlers im Alter von zwanzig Jahren c. 1821 - 1822

This self-portrait at twenty years old, by Eugen Eduard Schäffer, likely dates from around 1822, and is made with graphite on paper. The effect of graphite pencil on paper is immediate, yet it’s also delicate and subtle, yielding a range of tones. There’s an intimacy to drawing, a direct connection between the artist’s hand and the surface, that’s especially palpable here. The smudging and blending of the graphite, manipulated to give form to the artist’s face, is a testament to the time, effort, and patience required to produce such a lifelike representation. The lack of color in the drawing further emphasizes the material qualities of the graphite. Its inherent qualities of darkness and lightness shape the overall aesthetic. In a society valuing precision and craftsmanship, this drawing reflects a dedication to skill, while also showcasing the beauty inherent in a simple medium. Understanding the material and making of this self-portrait allows us to appreciate the artist’s technical skill, and the wider social context of artistic production in the 19th century.