


Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, 1770, from the Character head series
In 1781, German author Friedrich Nicolai visited Messerschmidt at his studio in Pressburg and subsequently published a transcript of their conversation. Nicolai’s account of the meeting is a valuable resource, as it is the only contemporary document that details Messerschmidt’s reasoning behind the execution of his character heads. It appears that for many years Messerschmidt had been suffering from an undiagnosed digestive complaint, now believed to be Crohn’s disease, which caused him considerable discomfort. In order to focus his thoughts away from his condition, Messerschmidt devised a series of pinches he administered to his right lower rib. Observing the resulting facial expressions in a mirror, Messerschmidt then set about recording them in marble and bronze. His intention, he told Nicolai, was to represent the 64 “canonical grimaces” of the human face using himself as a template.
This is from 1770? I am obsessed!
I kind of overdid it on the you know what today. I might have to work in seven hours. Disgusting. Good night.
Katie recommended tumblr/demanded that I get one. I’m just starting to get the ropes (I think), but so far I get the impression that I’m going to be doing a shit ton of reposting things originally posted by people who probably have more to say than I do at this point in time. No doubt there will be some authentic Graham stuff here and there…particularly once I’m able to record music and whatnot. That’ll be sweet.
I’ve actually watched Lauren do this for many Wednesdays now, and I must say that I finally get it. I think. Maybe.