The large eyes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. (On the occasion of the 250th Mozart anniversary year)

This article discusses the eyes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) which, based on portraits, can be said to have a certain noticeable feature--some degree of exophthalmos. In fact, even contemporary observers made particular mention of Mozart's eyes being large. Although cicatricial ectrop...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International ophthalmology 2005-12, Vol.26 (6), p.201-206
Main Authors: Zegers, Richard H C, Saeed, Peerooz, Wiersinga, Wilmar M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Austria
Exophthalmos - history
Famous Persons
History, 18th Century
Humans
Mozart
Music - history
Myopia - history
Ophthalmology - history
Paintings - history
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This article discusses the eyes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) which, based on portraits, can be said to have a certain noticeable feature--some degree of exophthalmos. In fact, even contemporary observers made particular mention of Mozart's eyes being large. Although cicatricial ectropion, caused by infectious disease, cannot be excluded, mild myopia, in combination with shallow orbits or combined with a genetic predilection, would be one possible explanation for Mozart's large eyes. Graves' orbitopathy, the ophthalmic manifestation of hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism have both been suggested to be the cause of Mozart's large eyes. However, these diseases are unlikely causes given their topical and systemic features.
ISSN:0165-5701
1573-2630
DOI:10.1007/s10792-006-9014-9