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Historical Artist - Antonio Canova (1757 - 1822)
Born in Venice, Antonio Canova adopted the popular Baroque and Rococo styles in his first
works. These fashionable sculpture appealed to his first clientele, the Venetian nobility. While
visiting Rome in 1779 and 1781, Canova began to admire the ancient Roman art and visited the
studios of the restorers, Bartolomeo Cavaceppi and Francesco Antonio Franzoni. Canova’s
statue, Apollo Crowning Himself came to define the Neoclassical movement. Canova was known as
the greatest sculptor of his time and his reputation grew exponentially across Europe until his
death in 1822. The epitome of the neoclassical style, his work marked a return to classical
refinement after the theatrical excesses of Baroque sculpture. He was also regular in his
attendance at the academy, where he carried off several prizes. But he relied far more on the
study and imitation of nature. A large portion of his time was also devoted to anatomy, which
science was regarded by him as the secret of the art. He likewise frequented places of public
amusement, where he carefully studied the expressions and attitudes of the performers. He formed
a resolution, which was faithfully adhered to for several years, never to close his eyes at
night without having produced some design. Whatever was likely to forward his advancement in
sculpture he studied with ardour. On archaeological pursuits he bestowed considerable attention.
With ancient and modern history he rendered himself well acquainted and he also began to
acquire.
Contemporary Italian Artists
Art Galleries in Italy
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