Gottfried Bernhard Freiherr van Swieten (1733-1803) - Fotografie eines vermutlich von Johann Georg Mansfeld stammenden Stiches, wohl nach einer Zeichnung von Lakner

Freiherr Gottfried van Swieten was the son of Empress Maria Theresia's highly educated and famous personal physician. He soon obtained an excellent reputation and much influence at the Austrian court, became prefect of the court's library and rendered great service to the Austrian educational sector.

Van Swieten was a friend of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn and admired Bach and Händel. When Ludwig van Beethoven came to Vienna, the Freiherr became one of his first patrons. The young pianist often participated in musical performances at Van Swieten's place. In December 1801 Beethoven published his First Symphony (C major, op. 21), accompanied by a dedication to this important music lover.(S.B.)