Ludwig van Beethoven, Plastik "La Pathétique" - Statue von Antoine Bourdelle von 1929, Fotografie, 1986

Even though Antoine Bourdelle drew other artists" portraits (he designed a bust of French composer Frédéric Chopin), it was Ludwig van Beethoven who especially represented the sculptor"s idea of artistic grandeur. Up to a certain degree Bourdelle even saw himself as the composer which he even resembled - according to his own assessment.

Bourdelle"s fascination for Beethoven continued until the sculptor died. During the last five years of his life, Bourdelle produced no less than six Beethoven busts. The picture shows the latest figure named "La Pathétique" or "Beethoven à la croix". It shows how strongly Beethoven epitomised the suffering and struggling genius for the artists of the late 19th and early 20th century. The symbol of the cross proves that the composer was even interpreted as suffering redeemer in a Christian sense. (S.B.)