拍品專文
In 1812, F. Klein, Vienna, cast Ludwig von Beethoven's (1770-1827) Lebendmaske, often mistakenly called his death mask, as he is shown with his eyes closed. This mask has been the inspiration for many artists, including Max Klinger (1857-1920), Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) and Franz von Stuck, especially around the time of the 75th anniversary of Beethoven's death.
Von Stuck first painted Klein's mask in 1896 and several years later executed two works of his own, one version in plaster and the present work Beethoven in bronze.
The face in the bronze version is softer and more lively than in the the one made of plaster. As in many of his works, Stuck's priority was not to portray the psychological aspect; his main concern was purely aesthetic.
In about 1905 Stuck painted two other portraits of Beethoven and a further two sculptures (one with Beethoven on a throne circa 1902-9), a relief and a design for a monument.
Von Stuck first painted Klein's mask in 1896 and several years later executed two works of his own, one version in plaster and the present work Beethoven in bronze.
The face in the bronze version is softer and more lively than in the the one made of plaster. As in many of his works, Stuck's priority was not to portray the psychological aspect; his main concern was purely aesthetic.
In about 1905 Stuck painted two other portraits of Beethoven and a further two sculptures (one with Beethoven on a throne circa 1902-9), a relief and a design for a monument.