Pop Art Plaster Bust of Ludwig van Beethoven in Terracotta, 1890s

Details

Description

Plaster bust of Ludwig van Beethoven, circa 1890 A decorative bust depicting the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, cast in … Read more Plaster bust of Ludwig van Beethoven, circa 1890 A decorative bust depicting the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, cast in plaster circa 1890 from an original terracotta model. The musician is depicted in a solemn and expressive pose, with his gaze lowered, his hair tousled, and his collar turned up. The energetic modeling of the face and clothing reflects the Romantic style of Beethoven’s portrayals prevalent in the late 19th century. The sculpture rests on a rectangular base bearing an incised inscription. It was recently repainted in a bright pink, in a decidedly contemporary spirit. This color choice creates a deliberate contrast with the academic nature of the subject and alludes to the world of Andy Warhol, particularly his penchant for bold, artificial, and offbeat colors applied to major figures of popular culture. This intervention thus transforms a classical bust into a unique decorative object, halfway between classical sculpture and Pop Art aesthetics. There are irregularities, small chips, and signs of wear due to the age of the plaster, visible particularly on the hair and face. Shipping: 25 / 22 / 41 cm 2 kg See less