Baroque framing 

This is Peter Halm’s “Baroque Framing,” a graphite drawing which is now held at the Städel Museum. Born in 1854, Halm was part of a generation grappling with the legacy of artistic traditions. In this sketch, Halm engages with the aesthetics of the Baroque era, known for its opulence and dramatic flair. Think about the historical context: by the late 19th century, the fervor of the Baroque period was long past, yet its influence lingered. Halm’s choice to revisit this style can be seen as a reflection on the very nature of history, power and representation. The drawing’s unfinished quality is striking; Halm leaves the central space blank, framing it with elaborate, swirling motifs. How does the weight and history of Baroque ornamentation interact with this emptiness? It creates a dialogue between presence and absence, tradition and the potential for something new. It asks us to consider what stories and histories we choose to frame and which remain untold.