Dame, auf einem Stuhl sitzend 

Johann Emanuel Goebel created this drawing of a seated woman at an unknown date, using pen and gray ink with gray wash over light gray lead on paper. Here, we see a woman captured in a private moment of reflection, seemingly caught between worlds. Considering the social norms of the 18th century, we can speculate on the sitter's class and position, and what her access to literacy might signify. What is she writing? Is it a letter, a poem, or perhaps something more subversive? The intimate nature of this piece invites us to contemplate the interior lives of women of the past. While Goebel's work aligns with traditional portraiture, he also offers a glimpse into the emotional life of his subject. It offers an alternative narrative, emphasizing quiet moments and the power of female introspection.