Constipation Portrait Character Head by Messerschmidt

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (German, after 1770)
The Constipation Man is one of a series of portrait busts or "Character Heads" made by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, an eighteenth-century German sculptor active in Austria. This bust portrays a middle-aged man with a clenched mouth and tightened chin-jowls. 

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. 

This portrait bust is part of the Parastone Museum Collection (Mouseion 3D) of highly collectible figurines based on museum originals. Includes color description card. Made from resin. Measures 5.5 in H x 4.25 in W x 4 in D. Weighs 3 lbs.