Julia als Aktfigur, Detail der Umarmung und des Kusses c. 1869 - 1871

Victor Müller made this drawing of Julia as a nude figure, a detail of an embrace and kiss, using graphite on paper. The immediacy and the simplicity of graphite, a readily available material, allowed Müller to capture a fleeting moment, imbuing the paper with the intimacy of human connection. Look closely at the varying pressure of the lines: see how they create a sense of depth and volume, while the smudging adds softness to the contours of the figure. The sketch is economical with a high degree of tonal variation, which allows for a dynamic and expressive portrayal of the human form. The work is rooted in the tradition of academic drawing, where the mastery of line and form was essential for artists. But it also captures a distinctly modern sensibility with its raw, unpolished aesthetic. The use of graphite invites us to consider the artistic process itself, and the skill required to convey emotion through such simple means.