About the Work
The drawings in this sketchbook were made in October and November 1837 as well as possibly in March 1838. They mainly show extensive views of medieval buildings in Seckbach and Frankfurt am Main, and were probably made during forays on the spot or – after previous sketches or models – at the drawing table, as can be assumed for the two detailed studies of a pinned stag beetle. Rapidly applied ornamental studies fill the book’s last pages; they are unusual for Friedrich Metz but are frequently found in his younger brother Ludwig Metz’s sketchbooks. Both brothers’ drawing styles are comparatively similar in their early years. The sketchbook, which came among a number of other sketchbooks by the Metz brothers to the Städel Museum from the Feist-Belmont Collection, was inventoried as the work of Friedrich Metz at the time; however, it seems more likely that it should be attributed to Ludwig Metz.
For a full sketchbook description, please see “Research”.
