Leontes erblickt die Statue Hermiones c. 1868 - 1871

Victor Müller's "Leontes erblickt die Statue Hermiones" is a pencil drawing from c. 1868-1871, currently housed in the Städel Museum. The drawing depicts a scene from Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale", where Leontes, the King of Sicilia, is shown kneeling before a statue of his wife, Hermione, who he previously believed to be dead. The artwork's composition is characterized by a dynamic interplay of lines, creating a sense of emotional intensity as Leontes confronts the statue. This drawing exemplifies Müller's skill in conveying a dramatic moment in a concise and expressive manner. The drawing's unfinished quality adds to its immediacy, making it a compelling example of the artist's working process.