approx. 1800, Manufacturer: Franz Christian Thaler
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
Bust
Austria, Vienna
approx. 1800
300 mm x 200 mm x 135 mm
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente
Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente, 350
Joseph Haydn (1732 Rohrau/NÖ - 1809 Wien) - GND
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