Die beiden Gesichter der Politik Wilhelms I., König von Preußen Possibly 1866

Victor Müller rendered this drawing, "The Two Faces of the Politics of Wilhelm I, King of Prussia," using pencil on paper. Müller lived through a time of significant social and political upheaval in Germany, deeply impacting his artistic vision. In this drawing, we see a stark contrast between power and subjugation, reflecting the era's complex dynamics. The figure of Wilhelm I is portrayed in two distinct ways: first, as a regal, almost ethereal figure, elevated above the common people; and second, as a brutal force, embodied by the soldiers who suppress those beneath him. This duality speaks volumes about the artist's perception of leadership and the human cost of political ambition. The drawing serves as a critical commentary on the exercise of power, inviting us to reflect on the identities of those who govern and those who are governed, and the impact on society at large.