Antoine Bourdelle (French, 1861–1929)Beethoven aux Grands Cheveux (Étude Pleine)Circa 1889-1891.Monogrammed on the neck, bottom right (right profile); numbered 'II' and with 'CIRE/A. VALSUANI/PERDUE' foundry mark on the base, bottom left (left profile); also with '© By BOURDELLE' on the base, bottom right (verso), bronze with golden brown patinaHeight: 19 1/2 in. (49.5cm)PROVENANCE:Rhodia Dufet-Bourdelle, Paris.Acquired directly from the above.Collection of Robert A. Becker, New York, New York.NOTE:The present bust is one of Bourdelle's most life-like renderings of Beethoven. It is also the closest interpretation of Joseph Karl Stieler's 1820 famous portrait of the composer—the only one made from life. Unlike many other works by Bourdelle, the present work features Beethoven with his eyes open, suggesting a state of creative awareness. The musician appears extremely focused, almost possessed by a fiery, magnetic force. His inspired gaze is framed by an impressive, tousled mane of hair that takes up much of the composer's face, and completely covers the ears that have failed him. Earlier studies for this bust captured Beethoven caught in a whirlwind, completely freed from earth. Bourdelle often associated Beethoven with air, comparing his messy hair with the qualities of the wind, sometimes even giving him wings. Such vibrancy echoes the artist's tumultuous life, and indomitable thirst for freedom; in this particular case, it also forms an impeccable contrast with the abstract and stripped down sculptural base.