Standing boy 1893

Otto Scholderer likely made this drawing of a standing boy in the 19th century with charcoal and chalk on paper. The materials are modest, and the composition simple; the artist focuses on the standing figure of a young boy, who is likely from a working-class family. Scholderer’s choice of materials influences the work’s appearance; the chalk adds highlights and luminosity, especially on the boy's face and shirt, while the charcoal creates depth. The marks are roughly applied to the paper; smudges are visible around the figure. The application of materials gives it a sense of immediacy, as though Scholderer was trying to capture a fleeting moment, a glimpse into everyday life. The image feels intimate rather than academic. By focusing on the working class, Scholderer challenges the traditional hierarchies of art, and elevates the everyday. This artwork reflects a broader shift in 19th-century art towards realism and social commentary.