A Life of Performance and Art
Joseph Lange was a multifaceted figure of the 18th century, known for his diverse talents as a stage actor, painter, writer, conductor, and composer. Born in Würzburg, Germany, his life was deeply intertwined with the cultural circles of Vienna. He was a man of many roles, including a comedian who was described by the tenor Michael Kelly as an excellent comedian. His personal life was marked by significant connections, most notably through his marriage to the soprano Aloysia Weber, which made him the brother-in-law of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Lange's theatrical career included performing in Mozart's works, such as the pantomime Masquerade, where he played the character Pierrot, and the opera Der Schauspieldirektor, in which he held the spoken role of Herz.
The Art of Portraiture
As an amateur painter, Lange is best remembered for his portraits of the Mozart family. He created a famous portrait of his brother-in-law, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, between 1782 and 1783. This work was originally a miniature focusing on Mozart's face, which was later affixed to a larger, unfinished canvas intended to depict him seated at a piano. Constanze Mozart later remarked that this work was "by far the best likeness of him."
Lange's artistic output also included a small portrait of Constanze, which was later enlarged. His dedication to his craft continued into his old age, as he continued to paint throughout his later years in Vienna.
