Lock of Ludwig van Beethoven’s hair
At the time of Ludwig van Beethoven’s (ca. 1770–1827) death in 1827, mourners frequently snipped hair from their loved ones and from celebrities as mementos. Beethoven’s hair possessed particular iconic value as a visible manifestation of the “untamed” creativity that distinguished his compositions and piano playing. We know of at least five parties who cut locks of his hair. According to one source, visitors began to do so two days before Beethoven actually died.
The lock of hair now in the Library’s collection most likely belonged to the Beethoven Association, a New York City society that held Beethoven-themed concerts from 1918 to 1940 and collected important editions of the composer’s works. When the association dissolved, its collection came to the Library’s Music Division.
: Music Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy an…
Not currently on view
The copyright and related rights status of this item has been reviewed by The New York Public Library, but we were unable to make a conclusive determination as to the copyright status of the item. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.
Items in Performance
View All Items in This Section-
Sergei Eisenstein’s Portrait of Sergei Diaghilev
Not currently on view
-
Portrait of John and Alice Coltrane by Chuck Stewart
Not currently on view
-
Ken Burgess’s poster for the Caffe Cino production of The Madness of Lady Bright
Not currently on view
-
Jean Cocteau’s design for L’Amour et son amour
Not currently on view
-
Ludwig van Beethoven’s sketches for the “Archduke Trio”
Not currently on view
-
Lock of Ludwig van Beethoven’s hair
Not currently on view