The Apocalyptic Horsemen 

Victor Müller made this watercolor and pencil drawing titled, The Apocalyptic Horsemen. Although undated, it likely came about during his tenure at the Städel Museum, which began in 1866, as professor. The image references the Book of Revelation. These four figures represent conquest, war, famine, and death. In Müller's time, biblical imagery like this was often used to comment on contemporary social issues. So, while seemingly religious, this piece reflects the anxieties of 19th-century Europe. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and political upheavals created a sense of instability and impending doom for many. This drawing captures that mood, using religious symbolism to critique social structures. To fully understand this piece, we can look to historical archives, religious texts, and the artist's personal writings, if available. Each of these resources offer insight into the socio-political context that shaped Müller’s work. Ultimately, this image serves as a reminder that art is a product of its time.