Victor Scholderer am Schreibpult stehend c. 1887

Otto Scholderer sketched his son, Victor Scholderer am Schreibpult stehend, using graphite. Born in Germany, Scholderer situated himself amongst Realist painters and here, he captures a private moment: a boy, presumably Victor, focused on his writing. The setting seems domestic, an intimate portrayal rather than a formal portrait, which gives the image a refreshing directness. This piece makes me consider how we often see childhood through rose-tinted glasses, associating it with carefree play and innocence. Yet, this depiction of Victor shows him engaged in the serious task of learning and writing. His small stature contrasts with the adult activity he's performing, highlighting the expectations placed on children to grow and develop. This image prompts us to reflect on the roles and responsibilities that children occupy, and the blend of freedom and constraint that defines their experiences.