Death Masks of the Famous and Infamous

Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Photo Credits: Abroadintheyard

Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. He was a key musician to help in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art and music. Today, he is still considered to be one of the most famous and influential composers of all time. Throughout his career, his hearing began to deteriorate starting in his late 20s. By the last decade of his life, he was almost completely deaf. However, many of his most recognized works are said to come from the last 15 years of his life. In 1872, Beethoven died after being bedridden for months. An autopsy revealed significant liver damage possibly due to heavy alcohol consumption although there are other theories surrounding his death.