Portrait Bust of Friedrich Nietzsche c. 1903 - 1904
maxklinger
stadelmuseum
bronze, sculpture
portrait
17_20th-century
3d sculpting
sculpture
bronze
frontview face
sculptural image
portrait reference
unrealistic statue
portrait head and shoulder
sculpting
sculpture
mid-section and head portrait
symbolism
statue
This bronze bust, created by German artist Max Klinger between 1903 and 1904, depicts the renowned philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Klinger's work is known for its powerful realism and expressive qualities, and this sculpture is a prime example. The bust's intense gaze and detailed features, including a prominent mustache and furrowed brow, capture Nietzsche's intellectual intensity and troubled personality. The work is housed in the Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main.
Comments
"A face displaying such boundless and indescribable mental anguish without distortion, without wrinkles, with only the deepest tortured resignation." This is how Klinger described Nietzsche's death mask, from which he created various likenesses of the philosopher. Nietzsche had died in August 1900 in total mental derangement, before the artist was able to meet him. Commissioned by Harry Graf Kessler, Klinger created a representative, stylised marble bust, the bronze version of which was acquired by the Städel in 1910. Through the monumental herm form, Nietzsche became a key figure in the revival of the Greek aesthetic culture of antiquity.
Join the conversation
Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.
CollectMore like this
