Joseph Haydn
approx. 1800 | 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
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
Manufacturer:
Franz Christian Thaler DNB
Depiction/Person:
Joseph Haydn (1732 Rohrau/NÖ - 1809 Wien) DNB
Time:
approx. 1800
Object Name
Bust
Culture
Austria, Vienna
Dimensions:
300 mm x 200 mm x 135 mm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente
Invs.
Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente, 350
Alte Inv.Nr.:
KK_7245
Schlosser Nr.:
NE 361