Franz Xaver Messerschmidt
- Born:
- February 6, 1736, Wiesensteig, Swabia (present-day Germany)
- Died:
- August 19, 1783, Pressburg (present-day Bratislava, Slovakia)
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Sculptor
Early Life and Education
- Franz Xaver Messerschmidt began his artistic training under his uncle, Johann Baptist Straub, a sculptor in Munich.
- He later studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
- He created numerous Baroque and Neoclassical sculptures, including imperial commissions.
- Suffered from a mental illness later in life, which influenced his later works, particularly his character heads.
- As detailed in information available online, looking up "franz xaver messerschmidt wikipedia" provides a summary of his artistic endeavors and psychological state.
Notable Works
- Imperial Busts: Commissioned by the Habsburg monarchy.
- Character Heads: A series of 69 self-portrait busts expressing a range of extreme emotions. These are his most well-known and studied works.
Legacy and Impact
Franz Xaver Messerschmidt is remembered for his technical skill as a sculptor and the unique expressiveness of his character heads, which are considered significant works of art historical interest due to their psychological intensity and representational style. His work has been the subject of numerous studies and exhibitions.