Two children playing music 

Otto Scholderer created this drawing, entitled "Two children playing music" which is now held at the Städel Museum. Imagine the world these children inhabit, one where gender roles were already being subtly woven into their lives. During the 19th century, music was a common pastime in middle class households and for young women, it was considered an essential accomplishment. In this composition, one girl stands, holding sheet music, perhaps taking on the role of the conductor, while the other sits with a cello. The cello, then, becomes more than just an instrument. It signifies cultural expectations, gendered spaces, and the complex ways in which young girls were encouraged to express themselves, within certain boundaries. The drawing offers us a glimpse into the private sphere of childhood where identity is shaped, practiced, and performed. As we observe the girls, we see echoes of broader societal norms, hopes, and limitations that framed their world.