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The Myth and the Might of Antonio Canova’s Sculptures

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The Myth and the Might of Antonio Canova’s Sculptures
A detail of "Cupid and Psyche, "1808, by Antonio Canova. Marble. Paolo Gallo/Shutterstock
Lorraine Ferrier
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In 1820, the preeminent neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova completed a marble sculpture of George Washington that divided many viewers. Dressed as a Roman emperor, the over life-sized, seated Washington appears middle-aged, relaxed, and confident as he contemplates what he’s written on the tablet he holds.

Canova inscribed “To the Great Nation of the United States of America” on the bottom of the sculpture.

Lorraine Ferrier
Lorraine Ferrier
Author
Lorraine Ferrier writes about fine arts and craftsmanship for The Epoch Times. She focuses on artists and artisans, primarily in North America and Europe, who imbue their works with beauty and traditional values. She's especially interested in giving a voice to the rare and lesser-known arts and crafts, in the hope that we can preserve our traditional art heritage. She lives and writes in a London suburb, in England.
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