Experts identify new Mozart portrait but say other painting is not that of musical genius

VIENNA – A round-faced young man with a thick head of hair depicted on a tiny 18th century portrait that had the experts puzzled for centuries now has a name — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Researchers at Salzburg’s Mozarteum museum announced Friday that they have definitely identified the person in the picture as the musical genius.

And it’s not any likeness either. They say that of 14 known portraits, it is one of only a few showing him gazing directly at the viewer and without his signature white powdered wig.

Expert Cristoph Grosspietch says the museum’s findings are based on examinations of the portrait and historical records of the era.

He says the same experts concluded that another portrait, showing a youth holding a bird’s nest, was not Mozart, as had been believed.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.