Model for the Funerary Monument of Lieutenant-General Baron Johan Theodoor Von Friesheim (1642-1733) 1731

Jan Baptist Xavery sculpted this small terracotta model for a funerary monument in 1735. The pale color and earthy texture of the terracotta give the sculpture a tactile quality, while the composition invites contemplation on themes of mortality and remembrance. The eye is drawn to the figure of Lieutenant-General Von Friesheim reclining in repose. Consider the arrangement of forms: the soft, curving lines of the general's body, the cylindrical cannon upon which he rests, and the spherical helmet beside him. Xavery contrasts the general's languid pose with symbols of military valor. The helmet, a potent signifier of martial identity, is discarded, suggesting perhaps a relinquishing of earthly concerns. Notice how the sculpture subverts traditional notions of heroic representation. Rather than portraying the general in active duty, Xavery presents a figure in quiet contemplation, highlighting the transience of life. The sculpture's formal qualities—its lines, shapes, and textures—work together to create a powerful statement about mortality. It serves as a reminder that art is not just about representing the world but about grappling with its most profound questions.