Größere vornehme Gesellschaft 

Otto Scholderer created this watercolor sketch of a high society gathering sometime in the mid-19th century. Scholderer lived during a time of significant social change, with the rise of industrialization and shifting class structures, factors that undeniably influenced his artistic perspectives. In this sketch, we see an assembly of figures, primarily women in elaborate dresses, juxtaposed against men in more somber attire. The ambiguity in their interactions hints at the complexities of social dynamics within this group, while the emphasis on attire and social posture speaks volumes about the importance of appearance and status. While Scholderer captured the scene, the sketch invites us to consider the experiences of those who may have been excluded from such gatherings. What unspoken rules and expectations governed behavior within this society? How did race and gender shape opportunities and interactions? With quick strokes, Scholderer provides a glimpse into the dynamics of a society defined by its rigid social structures.