Abstract
This thesis traces Franz Xaver Messerschmidt's artistic training and evolution, as well as his personal struggles in 18th century Austria leading up to his creation of striking portrait busts known as Character Heads. Moreover, a more comprehensive study of these portraits is provided and postulates that Messerschmidt drew inspiration from Egyptian, Gothic, and Neoclassical art in addition to scientifical studies conducted by his peers, namely Franz Anton Mesmer with his experiments aiming to cure mental ailments. This thesis also presents the reception history of the Character Heads in terms of 18th, 19th, and 20th century interests and artistic trends. Furthermore, the artistic responses of 21st century artists demonstrates how these sculptures and the personal obstacles of their creator resonate with contemporary issues. In effect, this study on the Character Heads exhibits an insight to the transforming aesthetic preferences of viewers from the 18th century to present times.