Portrait of Luise Scholderer 

Otto Scholderer rendered this drawing of Luise Scholderer, presumably his wife, using white chalk on brown paper. In the 19th century, portraiture, particularly of women, often reflected prevailing social norms and expectations. Here, Luise is depicted with a soft, almost ethereal quality, enhanced by the delicate chalk lines and gentle shading. She is wearing a hat, which subtly obscures part of her face, adding to the sense of mystery and introspection. The gaze is averted, hinting at a quiet, interior life, a common trope in depictions of women during this era. The artist's choice of medium softens her features and conveys a certain intimacy. What might it have meant for a woman of this time to be seen and portrayed in such a way? What does it reveal about the relationship between artist and sitter, husband and wife? This is not merely a likeness, it’s a representation of a life, hinting at the complexities and constraints that shaped it.