Stehender Junge in blauem Kostüm aus den _Maskierten_ c. 1880

Otto Scholderer made this drawing, “Stehender Junge in blauem Kostüm aus den Maskierten,” or “Standing Boy in a Blue Costume from the Masked Ones," and the date is unknown. In 19th-century Europe, masquerade balls allowed a temporary suspension of social hierarchies, where identities could be concealed and performed. In this vibrant sketch, Scholderer captures a figure in costume, possibly for such an event. The choice of a young boy dressed in an elaborate blue outfit invites us to consider the constructed nature of identity. The softness of the pastels, combined with the unfinished quality of the sketch, lends an intimate quality to the work. Scholderer captures a moment of quiet contemplation, a fleeting glimpse behind the mask. It offers an occasion to think about what we conceal and reveal, and how our identities are shaped by both personal choice and social expectations.