Andreas Ignaz Wawruch (1782-1842) - Lithographie von Joseph Ziegler aus der Zeit nach 1823 nach einem eigenen Gemälde, Reproduktionsdruck, um 1927

Professor Doctor Andreas Ignaz Wawruch was one of the directors of the medical clinic for surgeons in vienna. Wawruch was very interested in music, a good cellist and admirer of Ludwig van Beethoven"s music. Until December 1826 he did not have any contact to the composer, but then became the most important one of the doctors treating the ill musician. Although Beethoven did not appreciate Wawruch much, the doctor regularly visited Beethoven and treated him thoroughly. As a doctor he had a good reputation, however, his methods were rather conservative.

After Beethoven"s death, Ignaz Wawruch obtained 250 florins from Beethoven"s bequest for his medical services - quite a lot of money. A bit later, the doctor wrote a medical review of Beethoven"s last life epoch which was still interesting enough in 1842 to be published in the "Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode" (Vienna magazine for art, literature, theatre and fashion). (S.B.)