Sitting woman in profile 

Otto Scholderer made this pencil sketch of a woman in profile, sometime in the late 19th century, though we don't know exactly when. Her fashionable dress and contemplative pose provide a glimpse into the culture of the European middle class at this time. As you can see, the woman is portrayed in profile, seated, with her hand elegantly supporting her chin. There is a second figure sketched in the background playing some sort of instrument. We can see that Scholderer used delicate lines to capture her likeness. The sketch provides an intimate view into the private sphere of bourgeois life, reflecting the era's emphasis on domesticity and refined sensibilities. To understand Scholderer's work more fully, we could look into fashion and gender roles in Europe at this time. Researching the history of the Städel Museum itself might provide more context. By examining such social and institutional factors, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the art.