Luise Scholderer auf dem Sofa schlafend 1897

Otto Scholderer made this watercolor painting, "Luise Scholderer auf dem Sofa schlafend," in Germany in June 1897. It shows a woman, presumably the artist's wife, asleep on a sofa. The image offers a glimpse into the private life of a bourgeois family at the end of the 19th century. During this period, the rise of industrialization and urbanization led to changing social roles and an increasing emphasis on domesticity. Artists began to turn their attention to scenes of everyday life, capturing intimate moments within the home. Here, we see the artist's wife in a state of repose, suggesting a comfortable and secure domestic environment. Consider the gendered nature of this scene. While the man engages with the public sphere, the woman finds solace in the domestic realm. To understand this artwork better, we might consult social histories of the late 19th century, as well as biographies of the artist and his circle. By exploring the social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the artwork's meaning and significance.