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Antique Hand Carved Wood Ludwig van Beethoven. (1770–1827) 1812 Life Mask

$225

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since 2006
Antique Hand Carved Wood Ludwig van Beethoven. (1770–1827) 1812 Life Mask

An Antique hand carved life mask of Music Composer, Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827). This is based on an original taken by the sculptor Franz Klein (1779 - after 1836) in 1812. In 1812 the Viennese anatomical sculptor Franz Klein was commissioned by Beethoven's friend, the piano maker Johann Andreas Streicher (1761 - 1833) to produce a bust of Beethoven for his private concert hall on the Ungargasse. The forty-one-year-old Beethoven gave him permission to mold his face, but "Klein encountered some resistance from his famous subject, who was sure the wet gypsum with which his whole face had been plastered would suffocate him. The first attempt ended in failure, but the result of the second attempt is a priceless legacy. Physical comparison with the verbal portraits of Beethoven is, thanks to this uncannily accurate artifact, made possible.

The Mask Sculpture is made from solid hardwood and is signed on one side "E Sapyn". Overall dimensions are 9 1/2" high x 6 1/2" x 4 3/4" deep, he is heavy at over 7 1/4 pounds. Beethoven is in good overall condition with a nice patina on the wood. The only thing to note is a small bump on his nose, a bit of dark stain will cover it up. The wood has shrink lines, it is noticeable on the back but not as much on the front, see photos. Beethoven would look great in a Music collection, it is life sized and realistically modeled.

We ship Worldwide, this will be a heavy package.
Item id: 0017077
Color: Brown
Item type: Antique