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A portrait of Ludwig van Beethoven. Wearing classical drapery caught on the right shoulder, his hair swept backwards, incised eyes. This is one of five contemporary plaster copies made after the bust presented to the Philharmonic Society in London by Madame Fanny Linzbauer, 1871. The original bust was 'executed to the order of Beethoven's friend Carl Holz', and was presented to the Society in honour of the centenary of Beethoven's birth. It was brought to England by Sir William Cusins, who ensured its 'safe transmission' to this country, a condition of the gift. The Vienna Philharmonic Society was indignant that they themselves did not receive it. It was exhibited at the Philharmonic Society's first concert in 1871 in London, and five plaster replicas were made and presented to Cambridge University, the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal Society of Musicians, the Crystal Palace and Messrs.
The bust was used as a model for the Society's Gold Medal, executed by Leonard C. Wyon and struck by John Pinches.
As well as this copy, others are to be found in the British Museum Rare Books and Music reading room (Royal Philharmonic Society), the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Royal Society of Musicians and the Beethoven-Haus in Bonn.
Title
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Date
1871
Medium
plaster
Measurements
H 71 x W 40 x D 23.5 cm;
Plinth: H 103.5 x W 36 x D 36.5 cm
Accession number
2003.491
Acquisition method
presented by the Royal Philharmonic Society, 1871
Work type
Bust
