Here is artwork that is truly a conversation piece. Add him to your art collection today!

Messerschmidt left behind 55 character heads; 17 in alabaster, 36 in metal (usually a tin-copper alloy), one in wood and one in limestone. He never named them himself and just referred to them as 'heads'. The name they are known by now and the indication of the moods and characters they portray originated in an anonymous publication that appeared some ten years after his death. This statue head illustrates A Strong Man. One can imagine this man is picking up a heavy item. His clenched mouth and tightened neck muscles demonstrate Messerschmidt's profound talent at capturing a human gesture.This statue reproduction is part of the Parastone Mouseion 3D Collection of highly collectible museum reproductions.

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (1736-1783) Messerschmidt, who was born in Wiesinsteig in the Swabian Alps, learned the basics of Sculpture in Munich from his uncle Johann Baptist Straub, a prominent Rococo sculpturer. Messerschmidt continued his education at the Academy of the Arts in Vienna. After the death of his patron Martin van Maytens he became disillusioned and isolated within the narrow minded Viennese art world which was deeply intertwined with the court. He started his series of character heads which would later become famous., but there was a dearth of commissions and this led to financial problems for him. He spent a number of years living and working in Hungary. Messerschmidt was admired by all, but led a reclusive life until his sudden death aged 47.