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Why Music Object Spotlight
As Radio 3 takes up residence at Wellcome Collection in London to explore what makes music a vital part of being human, comedian and actor, Gryff Rhys Jones explores a history of health through objects on display.
Life mask of Ludwig van Beethoven
Made in Austria, about c.1812
- The mask was taken by sculptor Franz Klien after being commissioned by Streicher family who wanted it for their piano shop in Vienna
- The mask was believed to have been taken just at the end of Beethoven's most productive years, his middle period
- Beethoven died around 15 years after the mask was taken in 1827, aged 57
- There is also a death mask of Beethoven, taken two days after he died
- After his death there was big interest from skull collectors, eager to practice physiognomy and phrenology on him.
Image: Wellcome Images
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Object spotlight: Beethoven's Life Mask
Gryff Rhys Jones and Simon Chaplin discuss the life mask of Ludwig van Beethoven.
This is one of five objects explored as part of Why Music a partnership between BBC Radio 3 and Wellcome Collection.
