Kopf eines backenbärtigen Mannes mit Stirnglatze nach links 

Victor Müller rendered this study of a balding, side-whiskered man with brown wash over graphite. The composition evokes a sense of introspection, drawing us into the depths of human thought and emotion. Consider the motif of the averted gaze, seen here; it is far from new. Throughout art history, from classical sculptures to Renaissance portraits, figures often look away, inviting the viewer to ponder their inner worlds. This gesture is a visual representation of contemplation. The man's furrowed brow and downturned mouth suggest a moment of profound reflection, perhaps even sorrow. Think of depictions of the melancholic temperament in ancient Greek and Roman art, where such expressions were linked to intellectual depth and creative genius. This representation is deeply rooted in our collective psyche, reminding us of the universal human experience of contemplation and the search for meaning.