Who created "A Hypocrite and a Slanderer"?

A Hypocrite and a Slanderer was created by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt in ca. 1770–83.

When was "A Hypocrite and a Slanderer" created?

This artwork was created ca. 1770–83.

What medium is "A Hypocrite and a Slanderer"?

A Hypocrite and a Slanderer is Tin alloy.

Is "A Hypocrite and a Slanderer" in the public domain?

Yes, A Hypocrite and a Slanderer is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

A Hypocrite and a Slanderer

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt

ca. 1770–83

Medium

Tin alloy

Dimensions

Overall (wt. confirmed): 14 9/16 x 9 5/8 x 11 5/8 in., 25lb. (37 x 24.4 x 29.5 cm, 11.3399kg)

Classification

Sculpture

Culture

Austrian, probably Pressburg (Bratislava)

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Purchase, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Fund, and Lila Acheson Wallace, Mark Fisch and Rachel Davidson, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Richardson Gifts, 2010

Accession Number

2010.24

Tags

HeadsMen

Art Historical Context

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt's *A Hypocrite and a Slanderer* (ca. 1770–83) is a striking example of the Austrian sculptor's innovative "Character Heads," small-scale busts that capture exaggerated human expressions. Crafted from tin alloy—a rare and unconventional material for sculpture—this nearly life-size head (37 x 24.4 x 29.5 cm, weighing 11.3 kg) depicts a male figure with contorted features suggesting deceit and malice. Produced in Pressburg (now Bratislava), it reflects Messerschmidt's late-career retreat from court commissions, where he explored psychological and physiognomic themes amid...

About the Artist

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt · 1736–1783

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A Hypocrite and a Slanderer

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