Habillemens de Leipsic, ca. 1778-1780: Negen figuren verdeeld over twee kaders c. 1778 - 1780

Around 1778-1780, Rosmasler created "Habillement de Leipsic", a black ink drawing with nine figures arranged over two distinct registers. The use of monochromatic ink accentuates the linear quality of the work, directing our gaze along the sinuous outlines of garments and figures. This emphasis on line lends the image a stylized, almost diagrammatic character. Dividing the composition into two registers creates a comparative framework. The upper grouping presents figures in what appear to be more formal poses. Below, the arrangement suggests a more candid, street-level view. This division isn’t just about depicting different social scenes; it plays with the very concept of representation, contrasting staged formality with everyday observation. The rigid linearity and comparative structure serve to dissect and categorize aspects of social life in Leipsic. By highlighting contrasts in attire and demeanor, Rosmasler engages in a broader cultural discourse about identity, performance, and social codes. Through its formal construction, the artwork prompts us to reflect on how identities are both constructed and perceived.