Joseph Haydn

Around 1800, the time this wax bust was made, Joseph Haydn was at the height of his career. A few years earlier, his journeys to England had been an outstanding success, both artistically and financially. The wax bust gives us a better impression of the composer’s appearance than any painting. All the details of his complexion are reproduced with incredible precision. A wig made of human hair, coat and waistcoat round off the picture. The bust once belonged to Prince Metternich. (rh)

Lit.: Rudolf Hopfner: Masterpieces from the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. A Short Guide through the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, Vol. 1, Vienna 2019

Location: Neue Burg, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente Saal 12

Object data

Object Name

Bust

Culture

Austria, Vienna

Dated

approx. 1800

Manufacturer

Franz Christian Thaler - GND

Dimensions Cover size is a museum or exhibition-specific information. It does not specify the real dimensions of the musical instrument.

300 mm x 200 mm x 135 mm

Image rights

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente

Inv. No.

Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente, 350

Depiction/Person

Joseph Haydn (1732 Rohrau/NÖ - 1809 Wien) - GND

Permalink (citable Link) to this page: www.khm.at/en/object/85049/

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