Two figures 

Hermann Gollner made this pencil sketch, titled "Two Figures," during the 19th century. The drawing presents a challenge to the art historian, since it is not dated and the artist is obscure. Who was Gollner? What was his training? We know the sketch is in the collection of the Städel Museum in Frankfurt. Archival research into the records of this institution might reveal information about how it acquired the sketch, and why. The sketch appears to be an academic study of nude figures. In the 19th century, art academies played a crucial role in shaping artistic production, enforcing standards of taste and technique. The sketch suggests that Gollner may have been a student or instructor at an academy. Careful analysis of its style and comparison with other academic drawings of the time might confirm this. Art history depends on this kind of detective work.