Luise Scholderer sleeping 1892

Otto Scholderer made this graphite drawing of Luise Scholderer, asleep, at an unknown date. The sketch reveals the artist's delicate and skilled hand: notice how the graphite is lightly applied, barely skimming the surface of the paper. We can tell from the quality of the lines that he quickly and accurately captures the form. This type of rapid drawing implies an intimacy between the artist and the subject. There is an understanding that she is resting and that he can capture her essence without disturbing her sleep. The slight, pale drawing is a reminder that the most intimate and revealing artworks are created through the simplest of means. With minimal materials and time, Scholderer produces an artwork filled with sensitivity. This drawing makes us question the true purpose of making art. Here is the private moment, shared publicly, revealing the human connection through observational drawing.