Synopsis
Smirking, dim-witted, grimacing, or disgusted--that is how the character studies that Franz Xaver Messerschmidt cast in lead or cut into alabaster appear to viewers. They are sculptures that do not adhere to any classical ideal of beauty, instead confronting the viewer with a typology of the ugly. The fascinating character busts by the baroque sculptor Messerschmidt may be indebted to his contemporary Johann Kaspar Lavater, yet they never cease to amaze with their untimely artistic aggressiveness--their modernism even--exposing the flip sides of human expression. Messerschmidt, who created conventional portraits of dignitaries such as Empress Maria Theresia and Joseph II while working at the Imperial Academy in Vienna, began his turn toward an exclusive production of character busts around 1770, a predilection that quickly gained him the reputation of a maverick. Having taken early retirement due to a psychological disorder that was never clearly defined, he spent the rest of his life as a recluse living in Pressburg. This extensive monograph about an exceptional artist attempts an interpretation of the deeper meaning in an oeuvre that is as unusual as it is uncompromising.
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About the Author
Franz Xaver Messerschmidt was born in Wiesensteig, Germany, in 1736, one of multiple children in a dyer's family. He moved to Munich in 1746, where he apprenticed with his uncles Johann Baptist Straub, a wood sculptor at the Munich court, and Philipp Jakob Straub, a sculptor in Graz. In 1755 Messerschmidt studied in Vienna; five years later he was working for the Viennese imperial court. In 1777 he moved to Preßburg, where he died five years later.
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Franz Xaver Messerschmidt 1735-1783
Published by
Hatje Cantz, Ostfildern-Ruit, 2002
ISBN 10: 3775712461
ISBN 13: 9783775712460
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Edinburgh Books, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good Plus. Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (illustrator). First Edition. 2002. 232pp. 172 illustrations, 61 in colour. "Smirking, dim-witted, grimacing, or disgusted--that is how the character studies that Franz Xaver Messerschmidt cast in lead or cut into alabaster appear to viewers. They are sculptures that do not adhere to any classical ideal of beauty, instead confronting the viewer with a typology of the ugly. The fascinating character busts by the baroque sculptor Messerschmidt may be indebted to his contemporary Johann Kaspar Lavater, yet they never cease to amaze with their untimely artistic aggressiveness--their modernism even--exposing the flip sides of human expression. Messerschmidt, who created conventional portraits of dignitaries such as Empress Maria Theresia and Joseph II while working at the Imperial Academy in Vienna, began his turn toward an exclusive production of character busts around 1770, a predilection that quickly gained him the reputation of a maverick. Having taken early retirement due to a psychological disorder that was never clearly defined, he spent the rest of his life as a recluse living in Pressburg. This extensive monograph about an exceptional artist attempts an interpretation of the deeper meaning in an oeuvre that is as unusual as it is uncompromising." Damp spotting to the reverse of the jacket. Otherwise the book and unclipped dust jacket are in excellent condition with no inscriptions. PLEASE NOTE: Heavy book so extra would be needed for shipping to non-UK customers. Seller Inventory # hSculpture01
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Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, 1736-1783
Published by
Hatje Cantz, Ostfildern-Ruit, 2003
ISBN 10: 3775712461
ISBN 13: 9783775712460
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Mullen Books, ABAA, Marietta, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: VG/VG. Navy blue cloth casebound book with debossed text on the spine. There is a dust jacket with white text on a black spine. Pages: (6), 7-229, (1). Illustrated with a healthy mix of color and black-and-white images. Seller Inventory # 205226
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Franz Xaver Messerschmidt
Seller: Book_Mob, Santa Clarita, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Fair. Some wear on edges and corners. Clean pages with no markings. The image in this listing is stock photo for reference. Actual item may differ. Any queries, just ask for photos. Your satisfaction matters! Seller Inventory # Y4-24-01-26-002
Seller Image
Franz Xaver Messerschmidt
Published by
Hatje Cantz, 2003
ISBN 10: 3775712461
ISBN 13: 9783775712460
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Mausoleum Books, Glendale, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. 4to bound in blue cloth. Near Fine in Near Fine jacket with some edge wear. Small spot to lower edge. Otherwise superb. 229 pp. In color and black and white. Please inquire about overseas shipping prior to purchase. [OJ]. Seller Inventory # ABE-1758036828667
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Franz Xaver Messerschmidt
Seller: Antiquariaat Hovingh, Haarlem, Netherlands
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. This book is in excellent condition, a very good copy. Extensive and beautiful edition on the interesting work of Messerschmidt. Seller Inventory # AbeBol W 10
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