Sitzendes Mädchen im Profil, flechtend 

Otto Scholderer made this drawing of a seated girl in profile with a pencil. The girl in this drawing, typical of the late 19th century in Germany, embodies a kind of domestic tranquility valued at the time. Scholderer was associated with the Kronberger school known for its genre paintings depicting rural life and customs. Looking at the image, consider the values placed on women's roles during this era. We might ask, how do such artworks contribute to the construction of gender roles? Is this an idealized image? Or does it reflect the realities of women's lives at the time? We could consult historical records like diaries, letters, or photographs, to learn more about how this image aligns with or diverges from women's experiences. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.