Beethovens Grabstein auf dem Währinger Ortsfriedhof, 1829 - Nicht bezeichneter Stich mit der Darstellung des von Ferdinand Schubert entworfenen Grabmals

This unnamed steel-plate engraving was published in a slightly altered form in 1829 in the "Allgemeinen musikalischen Anzeiger" and is the oldest representation of Beethoven's memorial in the Währing Cemetery.

Beethoven's memorial is in two parts: The base has several steps, on top of which is a plinth whose form is reminiscent of an architecturally composed sarcophagus. It bears the simple inscription "Beethoven" on the front. From this rises an obelisk, adorned with two emblems on its front - a lyre surmounted by the symbol of the sun and higher up a butterfly encircled by a snake, which is biting its own tail. The lyre and sun are symbols of Apollo, the God of Light and leader of the Muses. The butterfly represents the soul, which has often been used in sepulchral motives since Classical Antiquity. The snake biting its own tail represents the permanence of art and was, for instance, used to symbolize the motto "Through art one attains everlasting fame".(S.B.)