Beethovens Kopf auf dem Totenbett im Profil - Ölstudie von Josef Danhauser aus dem Jahr 1827, Fotografie von Emil Koch, Bonn 1890

The Viennese painter Josef Danhauser did not only create the death mask of Ludwig van Beethoven after the composer´s death, but he also created several portraits of the deceased composer and made his bust. Because of the obvious interest in Beethoven, several writers assumed that Danhauser had known the composer in person. This assumption, however, has never been confirmed in any way by any sources of the 19th century. But Danhauser's notes from the 1820s tell us, how much he was fascinated by music in general. In addition, the painter himself was a rather talented musician as well. During his visit to Venice in 1826, he successfully assisted in the musical presentation of the masses in San Marco. It must have been because of his love of music that Danhauser took such a strong personal interest in Beethoven and felt so much sympathy when he died. And this must have also been the reason why the young artist worked so intensively on portraying the deceased composer.(S.B.)