Franz Xaver Messerschmidt

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Self_portrait_by_Franz_Xaver_Messerschmidt,_Pressburg,_c._1780,_alabaster_-_Bode-Museum_-_DSC02941

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (February 6, 1736 – August 19, 1783) was a German-Austrian sculptor most well-known for his series of character heads. Born in the village of Wiesensteig in the Duchy of Swabia, Messerschmidt's work is characterized by its psychological intensity and innovative approach to portraiture.

Early Life and Education

Messerschmidt studied sculpture in Munich and later in Vienna under the renowned sculptor Johann Baptist Straub. He gained recognition for his talent and was appointed as a court sculptor in Vienna.

Character Heads

Messerschmidt's most famous works are his "character heads," a series of sixty-nine busts depicting exaggerated facial expressions and emotions. These sculptures are considered a precursor to modern psychological studies and have fascinated art historians and psychologists alike.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Messerschmidt's mental health deteriorated, and he became increasingly reclusive. He passed away in 1783 in Bratislava, leaving behind a unique and enigmatic body of work that continues to captivate audiences to this day.