Kopf der Sitzenden aus der _Vorbereitung zum Kostümball_ c. 1879 - 1880

Otto Scholderer made this pencil drawing titled, "Head of a Seated Woman from Preparation for the Costume Ball," in Germany in the mid-19th century. It gives us an intimate glimpse into the world of social gatherings and the rituals surrounding them. The costume ball was a significant social event during this period and was a way for people to express themselves through clothing and performance. This drawing may capture the quiet moments of preparation, hinting at the excitement and anticipation that would have been an integral part of these events. Scholderer was associated with the Kronberg School, a group of artists who emphasized genre scenes and historical subjects. The institutions that promoted the development of the arts, like the Städel Museum where this drawing now resides, played a role in shaping artistic tastes and trends. To learn more about Scholderer, the Kronberg School, and the social history of costume balls, you might explore 19th-century periodicals, fashion plates, and accounts of social events, all of which provide valuable context for understanding the artwork.