Die Hand eines waagerecht aufgelegten (_) rechten Armes 

This study of a hand and forearm was drawn by Victor Müller using graphite on paper. The hand is captured with subtle gradations of tone, achieved by varying the pressure and density of the pencil strokes. In a drawing like this, the artist has to consider how the graphite sits on the paper's surface. The tooth of the paper—its texture—affects how the graphite is deposited, creating areas of light and shadow that define the form. The artist would have chosen the paper for its specific qualities, balancing smoothness for fine detail against roughness for broader shading. The study of anatomy through drawing was a traditional academic exercise, a foundation for more elaborate compositions. Yet, in Müller's hands, the careful observation and rendering elevates the sketch beyond mere exercise, and reminds us of the labor involved in the production of art. This approach challenges the separation of craft and fine art.