Bronze Character Head after Messerschmidt (3 of 3)

Everything in this bronze character head pulls towards the mouth. The lips are pressed together and pushed forward, the chin folds into deep creases beneath them, and two grooves run from the nostrils around the mouth.

Above, a band of horizontal furrows crosses the forehead and the eyes narrow to slits under drawn brows. The cropped hair over the crown is stippled into a matt cap against the smoother skin of the face. Every bust is a new lost-wax cast (cire perdue), made by hand; its patina, between dark brown and black, shines on the forehead and cheeks and deepens in every crease. The bust is cut across the chest and narrows into a bronze foot.

At 60 cm high and 20 cm deep, the head can stand alone on a writing desk, the face near the eye level of whoever sits there.

The model is the series of character heads by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (1736–1783), who worked on them from 1770 until his death: sixty-nine heads, of which forty-nine survive. His originals are in alabaster or a tin-lead alloy, and the fanciful titles attached to them were given only after he died. Of the three heads in this series, this is the most closed, the whole expression held in behind the lips.

Worldwide shipping
We work with reliable freight carriers worldwide who are experienced in transporting heavy and delicate works of art. This ensures that your order arrives safely. Shipping costs are calculated on the basis of the weight, dimensions and destination of your order. We aim for competitive rates and provide a detailed quote once the order has been confirmed.

Estimated delivery times vary depending on your location and the size of the order. Domestic shipments usually take 3-7 working days, while international deliveries can take 3-60 working days.

For shipments outside the EU, please note that import duties and taxes may apply under the rules of your country. These costs are not included in our prices and are payable by the buyer.

Warranty
We aim for the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in our bronze sculptures. All our products carry a 24-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and care. This warranty covers any problems that arise during this period; we will repair or replace the product free of charge. For warranty questions, please contact our customer service.