Skizzenbuch 1848

This is a sketchbook by Friedrich Metz, now in the collection of the Städel Museum. Sketchbooks, like this one, offer a glimpse into the artistic process, a private space where artists could experiment and develop ideas free from the constraints of the formal art world. They remind us that art making is often less about finished products for public consumption, and more about the personal journey of exploration and discovery. While it may seem mundane, the sketchbook’s existence within the museum raises important questions. How do institutions like the Städel shape our understanding of art by selecting and preserving certain objects while discarding others? What criteria are used to determine artistic value, and how do these criteria reflect the social and cultural values of a particular time and place? By studying the biographies and correspondence of artists like Metz, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social conditions that shaped their work and the institutions that helped define their careers.