Romeo als Aktfigur, Detail des rechten, gestreckten Beines c. 1869 - 1871

This drawing of a leg, a preparatory study for a painting of Romeo, was made by Victor Müller in the 19th century. Rendered in pencil on paper, it is a study in observation, a material exploration of form and anatomy. Müller's choice of pencil underscores the importance of drawing as a foundational skill, using the graphite to capture the subtleties of light and shadow. Each line contributes to the leg’s dimensionality, from the contour that defines its shape to the delicate shading suggesting muscle tone. The paper itself, with its slightly textured surface, receives the graphite, becoming an active participant in the work. Consider the sheer labor invested in perfecting such a study, and the broader social context. Müller’s artistic practice was embedded in a system where skilled labor – the ability to draw and paint – was highly valued. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we see how distinctions between fine art and craft blur, enriching our understanding of artistic creation.