Strong Man Portrait Bust Desk Statue Man Funny Face by Messerschmidt

The statue head illustrates A Strong Man by Messerschmidt. 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, a highly collectible series of museum reproductions. Measures 8" H x 4"W x 4.5" L. Weighs 3.7 lbs. Made from resin with an aged silver/pewter finish.

Messerschmidt left behind 55character 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 names they are known by now, and the indications of the moods and characters they portray, originated in an anonymous publication that appeared some ten years after his death. 

During the Enlightenment, physiognomy studies gained great popularity. Messerschmidt's possible undiagnosed schizophrenia may have been influential. A contemporary noted that Messerschmidt claimed creating character heads was his way of protecting himself from spirits that invaded his mind.