Selbstbildnis des Künstlers 5 - 1822

Curator: Christian Ernst Stölzel's "Selbstbildnis des Künstlers," or "Self-Portrait of the Artist," created around 1822, captures the artist's likeness in delicate pencil strokes. Editor: It's an unassuming piece, but immediately strikes me with its tender mood, this fragile yet determined face emerging from a simple pencil drawing. Curator: Precisely. It's currently held in the Städel Museum. Consider how self-portraits function within an artist's career, almost as declarations of identity amidst societal expectations and artistic movements. Editor: Yes, and Stölzel’s medium is important here, the accessible pencil – almost democratizing portraiture. It’s a clear indication that these drawings existed in an economy, likely a smaller, more intimate production compared to oils. This wasn’t meant for grand halls. Curator: That's an astute observation. The relative affordability and accessibility of pencil and paper compared to oils broadened the field for portraiture during this period. This reflects a burgeoning middle class who sought representation but may not have been able to afford painted portraits. Editor: Absolutely. And consider the hand. This is Stölzel's hand making Stölzel. There's no intermediary, only paper, pencil, and the self. Curator: We should also keep in mind the era. During the early 19th century, the idea of the individual artist gained momentum, fueled by Romanticism. Editor: It definitely speaks to that era. He portrays himself in an everyday hat with soft light highlighting the softness of his Romanticism curls and mustache. It almost feels raw, honest. Curator: The gaze really anchors us. I believe this sketch is essential for understanding how artists presented themselves, both to their contemporaries and to posterity. Editor: And it all goes back to process. Looking at the paper itself reveals subtle craftsmanship – how the support shapes and receives the image and gives context to even simple means and materials. Curator: It seems to me that "Selbstbildnis des Künstlers" reveals as much about artistic production and its consumption as it does about Stölzel’s internal world. Editor: Agreed. By examining both the portrait and the process, we gained insight into artistic practice during the early 19th century, as well as social and economic climates.