Sitzende aus der _Vorbereitung zum Kostümball_ c. 1879 - 1880

Otto Scholderer captured this seated figure in a preparatory sketch for a costume ball, rendered in delicate pencil lines. The composition is carefully structured, with the grid lines of the paper subtly visible beneath the drawing, which highlights Scholderer's methodical approach. The subject, a woman in classical garb, is positioned asymmetrically, creating a dynamic tension within the frame. Her posture, with a gentle twist of the body and inclination of the head, suggests a moment of reflection or anticipation. The use of line is particularly striking. Scholderer varies the pressure to define the contours of the figure, using heavier lines to anchor the form and lighter strokes to suggest the fall of fabric and the play of light. This technique not only models the figure in three dimensions, but also evokes a sense of movement and temporality. The visible grid is a structural element and acts as a conceptual framework that emphasizes the process of artistic creation. The contrast between the figure's flowing lines and the grid's rigid geometry creates a fascinating visual dialogue. This interplay hints at the artist's exploration of form and space.