Bischof Bienvenue Myriel im Gespräch mit dem sterbenden Revolutionär G., dessen Segen erbittend after 1862

This preparatory drawing by Victor Müller depicts a scene with delicate lines of graphite on paper. The choice of graphite allows for a remarkable degree of detail and shading. The artist skillfully employs the material to capture the contrast between the two figures, one a Bishop, the other a dying revolutionary. This interplay between light and dark, achieved through the manipulation of graphite, influences the drawing's appearance and enhances its symbolic weight. The subtle tonal variations create depth, and evoke the solemn atmosphere of the scene. Note the careful attention to detail in the rendering of the figures and their expressions, suggesting the artist's engagement with the subject matter. This drawing shows a moment of high drama, as the artist sets up a deep ethical tension, using a humble material. The nature of the labor involved in the production of the artwork further connects to the history of art and society. Recognizing the equal value of both intention and material helps us to overcome the old separation of fine art and craft.