Kaiserin Elisabeth mit offenem Haar

Art Historical Context

Behold the evocative plaster bust *Kaiserin mit offenem Haar* Stefan Schwartz, created around 1903 and housed in Vienna's prestigious Belvedere Collection. Measuring 42 × 32 × 30 cm this intimate sculpture captures the Empress Elisabeth of Austria—ectionately known as S—with her signature loose, hair, evoking her beauty and tragic allure.isi, consort of Emperor Franz Joseph I, remains one of Europe's most romanticized figures, famed for her porcelain skin athletic grace, and restless. Crafted in g (plaster), a medium favored by sculptors for its malleability, the bust likely served as a preparatory model, allowing Schwartz to refine details like the soft cascade of hair and delicate facial features before potential casting in more durable materials. Produced shortly after Sisi's assassination in 1898, it reflects the enduring fascination with her image in Austrian culture, blending realism with a touch of idealization typical of fin-de-siècle portraiture. This work invites visitors to ponder Sisi's complex legacy—a symbol of imperial glamour amid personal sorrow—while showcasing the Belvedere's commitment to preserving nuanced 20th-century sculpture. A poignant encounter with history in tactile form.