Sitzender Mann aus _Trost (Abschied)_ c. 1856

This pencil drawing of a seated man, originating from Victor Müller's _Trost (Abschied)_, presents a poignant moment of farewell. Müller, a 19th-century German artist, captured the emotional intensity of a couple parting ways. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, echoing the romanticism prevalent in mid-19th century European art. The sentimental theme of lovers parting resonated deeply in a society undergoing rapid social and political change. The drawing may subtly critique the rigid social structures of its time, where personal desires often clashed with societal expectations. To understand Müller's work better, we can look into archives of 19th-century German art institutions and delve into the cultural context of romanticism and its influence on artistic expression. The meaning of art shifts according to social and institutional context. The historian has to be aware of these shifts.