Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (1736-1783) was an Austrian sculptor known for his remarkable and psychologically intense character heads, which are among the most distinctive works of Neoclassical sculpture. Messerschmidt's sculptures, often referred to as "character heads" or "expression heads," are notable for their extreme and exaggerated facial expressions. Here are some key points about Franz Xaver Messerschmidt and his work:1. **Early Life and Training**: Franz Xaver Messerschmidt was born on February 6, 1736, in Wiesensteig, Germany. He received his initial artistic training in Munich before moving to Vienna, where he studied under the prominent sculptor Adam Franz Körper.2. **Vienna and Academic Career**: Messerschmidt spent most of his artistic career in Vienna, where he gained recognition and worked as a professor at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. He was considered a talented and respected sculptor.3. **Character Heads**: The most famous works associated with Messerschmidt are his "character heads." These are a series of sculpted busts that depict exaggerated and often grotesque facial expressions. The expressions range from extreme joy and laughter to extreme anger and pain. These heads are considered unique in the history of sculpture.4. **Psychological Themes**: Messerschmidt's character heads are often interpreted as representations of various emotional states and psychological conditions. Some art historians have suggested that Messerschmidt may have suffered from a mental disorder himself, which influenced his work.5. **Inspiration and Purpose**: The motivation behind Messerschmidt's character heads remains the subject of debate among art historians. Some theories suggest that he created them as a response to inner psychological turmoil, while others propose that they were a reaction to the prevailing artistic trends of his time and a way to demonstrate his skill as a sculptor.6. **Materials and Techniques**: Messerschmidt primarily used metal (bronze) for his character heads, and he often incorporated glass eyes to enhance the lifelike quality of the sculptures. His meticulous attention to detail and anatomical accuracy are notable.7. **Legacy**: Although Messerschmidt's character heads were not widely appreciated during his lifetime, they gained recognition in the 20th century as significant and innovative works of art. They have been the subject of extensive study and have influenced later artists interested in exploring psychological and emotional themes through sculpture.8. **Later Life and Death**: In his later years, Messerschmidt faced personal difficulties and financial challenges. He withdrew from public life and dedicated himself to his character heads. He died in 1783 in Bratislava, which was part of the Habsburg Empire at the time.Franz Xaver Messerschmidt's character heads continue to captivate and intrigue art enthusiasts and scholars due to their enigmatic and expressive qualities. His work challenges conventional ideas of beauty and conformity in art and remains a testament to the exploration of human psychology through sculpture.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.