Zweiter Entwurf für das Gruppenbildnis der deutschen Künstler im Café Greco in Rom, linke Hälfte 1817

Carl Philipp Fohr made this drawing, Zweiter Entwurf für das Gruppenbildnis der deutschen Künstler im Café Greco in Rom, linke Hälfte, out of graphite on paper. The linear quality of graphite lends itself to capturing the fleeting expressions and postures of the assembled artists. Notice how Fohr uses delicate lines to define the figures and the architectural space of the café. The drawing's materiality reflects the artist's hand, as the graphite adheres to the texture of the paper, creating subtle variations in tone and depth. This technique allows Fohr to convey a sense of atmosphere and intimacy. The drawing embodies the tradition of academic draftsmanship, where skill in rendering form and space was highly valued. However, the subject matter—a gathering of artists—also hints at a shift towards a more bohemian, self-aware artistic identity. The work's significance lies in its ability to capture the social dynamics of a particular time and place in art history.