Vorbereitung zum Kostümball c. 1879 - 1880

Otto Scholderer made this drawing entitled "Vorbereitung zum Kostümball" - or "Preparations for the Costume Ball" - during his time in Frankfurt, Germany. We see a group of women in a domestic interior, their flowing dresses and loose hair hinting at a world of leisure and refinement, perhaps even of an aristocratic nature. Given the era and location in which this artwork was created, it possibly reflects the social norms and gender roles prevalent in 19th-century European society, where women's lives were often confined to the domestic sphere. The sketch, with its soft lines and muted tones, evokes a sense of intimacy and privacy. It offers a glimpse into the rituals and social expectations surrounding events like costume balls, which were important social gatherings for the upper classes. By studying this artwork, and consulting social histories, we gain insight into the values and customs of the time. We start to reflect on how these societal norms may have influenced the artist's vision and the way we interpret the artwork today.