In 1862 the Wiener Männergesang-Verein ("Vienna Men's Choral Society") set up a fund for the erection of a monument to Schubert.

[1][2] The painter, and a friend of Schubert, Moritz von Schwind, was responsible for the likeness of the portrayal.

[3] The foundation stone was laid in 1868, in the presence of the Mayor of Vienna, Andreas Zelinka.

[2] The unveiling, on 15 May 1872,[2][3] was attended by the Mayor of Vienna Cajetan von Felder, members of the Schubert family and associates.

[1][2] The statue shows Schubert seated, with music paper on his knees and a pen in his hand.