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Wenzel Scholz figurine

Prague, Bohemia, ca. 1840

Glazed and painted porcelain.

H: 13.6 cm

Markings: “Prag” imprint

UMP 7315

Porcelain statue with an inscription on the base: “Ich hasse sie, die Hausherrn”. Wenzel Scholz (1787–1857), an Austrian actor at the Volkstheater in Vienna, played the comedic role of Gabriel Brunner. Scholz, Johann Nestroy, and Carl Treumann were leading representatives of Viennese theatre during the Biedermeier period.

Playwright Johann Nestroy, whose comedies made Scholz famous, bet heavily on the comedic effect. Scholz’s heavy build and round, indolent face contrasted with the tall, thin, and hot-tempered Nestroy. This principle laid the groundwork for many scenes, resembling comic duo of Laurel & Hardy.

lBiedermeier

Johann Nestroy, Wenzel Scholz, and Carl Carl in Nestroy’s play Der böse Geist Lumpazivagabundus, 1833. Colourised copper engraving by Andreas Geiger (based on the design by J. Ch. Schoeller).

Wiener allgemeinen Theaterzeitung, Gallerie drolliger Scenen, 6. Jg. (1832/33), No. 11