Gazing upon the Bach-Büste, one might hear whispers of “Old Bach” echoing from the past. This bronze bust, created in 1990 by Manfred Strehlau, captures the essence of Johann Sebastian Bach, not in his youth, but in his later years. The Bach-Büste isn’t based on mere speculation. It draws upon a fascinating history of attempts to reconstruct Bach’s appearance. The bust unveiled in Berlin, while not directly related to this one, offers a glimpse into that process. Anthropologist Caroline Wilkinson, working with a copper replica of Bach’s skull from 1894, used modern computer modeling to create what is considered the most realistic rendering of Bach’s face. This 1894 replica itself was based on Bach’s actual skull, which rests in St. John’s Church in Leipzig, Germany. While the Bach-Büste before us may not be a direct product of Wilkinson’s research, it likely draws inspiration from this lineage of recreating Bach’s visage. The Bach-Büste invites us to contemplate the challenges and triumphs of bringing historical figures to life. It reminds us that even in bronze, a spark of the maestro’s genius can still resonate.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to