Search results
Antonio Canova drew inspiration from Greek and Roman art to become the leading and iconic sculptors of Neoclassicism.
- Italian
- November 1, 1757
- Possagno, Veneto, Italy
- October 13, 1822
Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757 – 1822) is considered the leading figure of the Neoclassical style, inspired by the sculptures of Ancient Greece and Rome.
- Canova sculpted from a young age. Canova was born in 1757 in Possagno, Italy. His father and grandfather were sculptors and stonecutters. Canova apprenticed to a Venetian sculptor at 11 years old and attended the Accademia di Belle Arti (fine arts academy) in Venice from about 17.
- Canova set off for Rome by the time he was 21. He sculpted in clay on his way to Rome. For example, he modeled the head of a young friar—but he lost that model when switching boats.
- Canova’s clay sketches give us a sense of his process. Canova’s large, famously polished marble sculptures began as small clay models. While he also made drawings, Canova clearly recognized the advantages of clay.
- Canova worked in clay, terracotta, plaster, and finally marble. Dancers are caught midtwirl in an early sketch for Three Graces—note the outflung head.
Canova was also responsible for the design of the sculptural metopes on the exterior; unfortunately, he died in 1822 before those works were completed. At his death, commemorations were held in Rome, Venice, and Possagno, and he was widely mourned and honored across Europe.
Nov 21, 2023 · The Italian sculptor Antonio Canova was renowned in his lifetime for his ability to give cold, hard marble the appearance of warm, supple skin.
Canova, who was based in Rome, was one of the most famous artists in eighteenth-century Europe. His sculpture was celebrated for its classical character and convincing lifelike qualities.
People also ask
What did Canova do for a living?
How did Antonio Canova breathe life into stone?
Why was Canova a great sculptor?
What role did Canova play in history?
What did Canova believe about art?
What makes Canova so special?
During his life, Antonio Canova was an artist and a patron, he knew the most important representatives of art and politics of his time, and could speak English and French. His art was praised all over Europe and today his sculptures are preserved in the major museums of the world.
