Graf Moritz von Fries (1777-1826) mit seiner Familie - Gemälde von François Gérard, Fotografie der mit A.G. bezeichneten Reproduktion, um 1913

Count Moritz von Fries, co-owner of the Vienna bank Fries & Co. was known as an art collector and music lover. However, his recognition was mainly due to his expensive life style.

Since about 1800 Ludwig van Beethoven was a frequent guest in the Count's house and dedicated various works to him, for example two sonatas for piano and violin op. 23 and op. 24, the string quartet op. 29 and his Seventh Symphony. Between 1809 and 1810 the bank supported Beethoven in dealing with an order which the composer had received from George Thompson in London.

Moritz von Fries always led an affluent life, nevertheless he lacked the right acumen. As a consequence both the Count and the bank encountered economic difficulties in 1815. In April 1826 a petition in bankruptcy was filed. Moritz von Fries and his second wife Fanny (born Münzenberg) then moved to Paris where he died only a couple of months later.(S.B.)