Franz Xaver Messerschmidt
- Born:
- 6 February 1736, Wiesensteig, Swabia, Holy Roman Empire
- Died:
- 19 August 1783, Pressburg, Kingdom of Hungary (present-day Bratislava, Slovakia)
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Sculptor
Early Life and Education
- Trained in sculpture by his uncle, Johann Baptist Straub, in Munich.
- Also studied with his other uncle, Philipp Jakob Straub, in Graz.
- Studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna in 1769.
- His career declined after suffering from a mental illness.
- Famed for his baroque and rococo sculptures.
- Best known for his "character heads" series of sculptures. A reader researching Franz Xaver Messerschmidt wikipedia will quickly discover the importance of these works.
Notable Works
- Imperial Couple (Maria Theresa and Francis I) busts.
- Bust of Empress Maria Theresa.
- The "Character Heads" (Charakterköpfe) series.
Legacy and Impact
Franz Xaver Messerschmidt's "character heads" are considered significant contributions to expressive sculpture, exploring the range of human emotions and expressions in a unique and unsettling manner. His work continues to influence sculptors and artists today.