Luise Scholderer auf der Ottomane c. 1873

Otto Scholderer made this pencil drawing, "Luise Scholderer auf der Ottomane", depicting a woman, presumably his wife, in a domestic setting. Scholderer, living in a time of evolving social roles, captures Luise in a moment of quiet repose. The drawing provides an intimate view into the private life of a woman in the 19th century, where domesticity was both a comfort and a confinement. Luise holds a mirror, an object laden with symbolism, reflecting not only her physical appearance but perhaps also the societal expectations placed upon her. The loose lines and unfinished quality of the sketch suggest an emotional immediacy, a fleeting glimpse into Luise's world. The setting, with the ottoman and small table holding personal items, speaks to the constructed nature of femininity. Scholderer's drawing invites us to consider the complexities of identity and the ways in which women navigated their roles within the confines of their time.