Sitzender Mann als Aktfigur, aus _Trost (Abschied)_ 

Victor Müller made this graphite drawing, titled _Sitzender Mann als Aktfigur, aus Trost (Abschied)_, that now resides in the Städel Museum. Müller lived through a time of significant social upheaval. As we consider the historical context, the revolutions of 1848, just before Müller began his artistic training, brought issues of nationalism, social justice, and individual freedom to the forefront, influencing art and culture. In this piece, we see a nude male figure, seated, with his head in his hands—an archetypal pose of grief. The figure's nudity may initially evoke classical ideals, but the raw emotion conveyed resists any glorification. Instead, the figure seems vulnerable. The drawing's title, which translates to “Consolation (Farewell),” suggests themes of loss and mourning. Müller’s work resonates with the deep, personal experience of loss, reflecting broader societal anxieties around identity and change. It prompts us to reflect on how we grapple with grief and the ways we find solace in times of turmoil.