Hartmut als Akt, aus _Ritter Hartmut von Kronberg nimmt von seinen Angehörigen Abschied_ c. 1866 - 1867

Victor Müller created this pencil drawing, "Hartmut als Akt," likely as a study for a larger history painting. What we see here are lines of graphite on paper, a relatively inexpensive material, allowing for quick studies and revisions. Müller would have used specific techniques to create a range of tones and textures, from light shading to create the illusion of three-dimensionality, to darker, more defined lines to emphasize the contours of the body. The materiality of the pencil and paper, with their inherent limitations and possibilities, influenced the artist's approach, resulting in a sketch-like quality. The drawing demonstrates a skilled artistic tradition, rooted in academic training and classical ideals of the human form. However, the focus on preparatory sketches highlights a shift in artistic practice, acknowledging the value of process and experimentation, challenging traditional notions of art as solely finished and polished works.