Selbstbildnis des Künstlers im Alter von 20 Jahren c. 1821 - 1822

Eugen Eduard Schäffer sketched this self-portrait in pencil at the tender age of twenty, presenting us with a youthful yet self-assured image. Observe the artist's turned head, a motif we see echoed through the ages—from ancient Roman portrait busts to Renaissance paintings. This pose is a powerful convention to engage the viewer with the subject's gaze. The turned head is not merely a physical orientation; it’s an invitation, a silent beckoning that carries a psychological charge. The artist's gaze bypasses time, connecting with us on a primal level of recognition and curiosity. Think of the way this motif appears in Baroque paintings, where saints and martyrs often turn their heads towards the heavens, seeking divine inspiration. The recurring use of this motif reveals our enduring fascination with inward reflection, our desire to understand the emotional and psychological states of others. This portrait is a vivid illustration of how symbols evolve, resurface, and continue to resonate with each generation.