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Messerschmidt left behind 55
character heads; 17 in alabaster, 36 in metal (usually a tin-copper
alloy), one in wood and one in limestone. He never named them himself
and just referred to them as 'heads'. The names they are known by now and
the indication of the moods and characters they portray originated in
an anonymous publication that appeared some ten years after his death.
The statue head illustrates A Strong Man.
One can imagine this man is picking up a heavy item. His clenched mouth
and tightened neck muscles demonstrate Messerschmidt's profound talent
at capturing a human gesture. This statue reproduction is part of the Parastone Mouseion 3D Collection of highly collectible museum reproductions.
Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (1736-1783)
Messerschmidt,
who was born in Wiesinsteig in the Swabian Alps, learned the basics of
Sculpture in Munich from his uncle Johann Baptist Straub, a prominent
Rococo Sculpturer. Messerschmidt continued his education at the Academy of
the Arts in Vienna.
His exceptional talent soon attracted
Empress Maria Teresa's attention and, initially, he had plenty of
commissions. After a study trip to Rome in 1765, he started working in
an increasingly Classicist style based on ancient Roman busts. Four
years later, he accepted a post as a teacher at the art academy.
However, his proud, somewhat difficult character led to him being at
odds with school's conservative directors. Soon rumors abounded that
his politically incorrect , erratic behavior is due to lead poisoning.
After the death of his patron Martin van Maytens he became disillusioned
and isolated within the narrow minded Viennese art world which was
deeply intertwined with the court. He started his series of character
heads which would later become famous, but there was a dearth of
commissions and this led to financial problems for him.
He
traveled to Munich via his home town and waited there in vain for an
appointment at court for two years. In 1777 he left for Bratislave. His
brother - who was also a sculptor - lived there and moreover it was the
seat of Hungary's Hapsburg government. He accepted a number of
commissions, but spent most of his time working on his large series of
character heads. He was admired by all, but led a reclusive life until
his sudden death aged 47.
keywords: Parastone Mouseion 3D Collection, caricature head, study of man screaming mouth open.
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