Der verlorene Sohn als Aktfigur c. 1850 - 1853

This is Victor Müller’s drawing of The Prodigal Son as a Nude Figure, currently held at the Städel Museum. Executed in delicate pencil lines, the drawing presents a crouching male figure, his form gently emerging from the muted background. The contours trace the subject's introspection, with the lines mapping the musculature and suggesting a narrative of vulnerability. The sketch form challenges traditional depictions of biblical narratives. By presenting the prodigal son as a nude figure, Müller strips away the symbolic details often associated with religious art, focusing instead on the essential human form. This reduction emphasizes the subject’s physical and emotional exposure, prompting viewers to consider the psychological dimensions of the prodigal son's story. Consider how Müller’s formal choices—the sketched lines, the anatomical focus, the nude form—all contribute to a deeper exploration of human vulnerability and redemption. The drawing is a testament to the ongoing reinterpretation of classical themes through modern artistic practices.