Ludwig van Beethoven, Lebendmaske - Abguss der von Franz Klein 1812 gefertigten Maske, Fotografie von Karl Steinle, Bonn, 1927

Most modern Beethoven depictions are based on a mask created in 1812. After being asked by his friend Andreas Streicher, Beethoven had agreed on having a mask made of his facial features by Vienna sculptor Franz Klein. First, Beethoven's face was anointed and covered with liquid gypsum. During this procedure, Beethoven could only breathe through two tubes inserted into his nostrils. The first try resulted in a failure as Beethoven wiped the gypsum off his face for fear of suffocation. The second try was successful.

The sculptor then poured liquid material in the so-called negative cast to manufacture the mask. Using this as a model, he created a Beethoven bust for Streicher which is known as a very authentic bust of the 41 year old composer.(S.B.)