Titania, unbekleidet und mit hochgestecktem Haar, schwebend, nach links c. 1867 - 1868

Paul Konewka made this pencil sketch of Titania, the queen of the fairies, sometime in the 19th century. The drawing depicts Titania as a nude figure, her hair elegantly styled, floating in the air. Konewka, a German-Polish artist, often drew inspiration from literature and mythology, reflecting the period's fascination with folklore and the supernatural. The choice of Titania, a character from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," speaks to the Romantic era's interest in fantasy and the exploration of human emotions through mythical narratives. The German art scene of the 19th century was deeply influenced by Romanticism, with its emphasis on individualism, emotion, and the sublime. Museums like the Städel, where this drawing now resides, played a crucial role in shaping artistic tastes and preserving cultural heritage. The sketch hints at the broader cultural context of the time. To truly understand this work, we can investigate into 19th-century German art, folklore, and theater history. This helps us to understand its place within the artistic and cultural landscape of its time.