Badelæge Vincenz Priessnitz 1844

This bronze bust of Badelæge Vincenz Priessnitz was made by H.W. Bissen. The deep brown of the bronze enriches the details of Priessnitz’s features, from the lines on his face to the texture of his hair, all captured through the lost-wax casting process. First, a wax model is meticulously sculpted; then, encased in plaster, it’s melted away, leaving a void for the molten bronze. Once cooled, the plaster is broken, revealing the final sculpture. But bronze casting isn’t merely about replicating form; it’s a collaborative endeavor, relying on skilled hands at every stage, from the artist’s initial vision to the foundry workers who bring it to life. Each casting represents a significant investment of time, labor, and resources. By appreciating the materials, making, and context of this bust, we expand our understanding of the interplay between art, craft, and society.