Ophelia c. 1869

Victor Müller’s 1869 drawing "Ophelia" is a preparatory sketch for a larger painting. The image features Ophelia, a character from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, portrayed in a delicate, hazy, and ethereal style. The subject is depicted in a reclining pose, her body seemingly dissolving into the surrounding willow branches. The work showcases the artist’s exploration of light and shadow, creating a mood of melancholy and mystery, typical of the Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic. The drawing, housed in the Städel Museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into Müller’s creative process.