Sitzender Oecolampadius mit einem Buch in der Rechten, die Linke zur Rede erhoben, aus dem _Ritter Hartmut von Kronberg bei dem Reformator Oecolampadius in Basel_ c. 1866 - 1867

Victor Müller made this drawing of Oecolampadius in the 19th century with graphite pencil on paper. We see the Reformer seated, holding a book and gesturing with his left hand. The real story here is in the mark-making. Graphite pencils allow for a wide range of tones and textures through controlled hand movements. Look closely and you'll notice Müller's skillful use of hatching and cross-hatching, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow, which give the figure volume and depth. The fine lines capture the texture of the clothing and the delicate features of Oecolampadius's face. Müller was clearly an artist trained to render three-dimensionality, and here, the material economy of pencil on paper serves the purpose of a rapid study for a larger composition. This wasn't just a quick sketch, it's a demonstration of academic training, and the material allows the artist to capture a fleeting moment with precision and expressiveness.