Canova, the last of Italy's great sculptors, returns to Rome
By Natalija Dimitriyevitch,
ROME,
Nov 15 - 250 years after his death, the spirit of famed sculptor Antonio Canova still lives in the
halls of Galleria Borghese alongside such giants as Titian and Bernini.
The city of Rome is dedicating an exhibition to the well-known sculptor of the 19th century in the splendid Villa Borghese gallery. Until Feb. 3 art lovers can fully appreciate a large number of his masterpieces on display, thanks to the collaboration of some of the most important museums of the world.
Visitors can compare Canova’s work with the pieces that inspired him; the gallery's director Anna Coliva and Fernando Mazzocca tried to recreate the atmosphere of Canova's day through a wise mix of Bernini masterpieces, ancient marbles, clay objects and drawings.
What
makes this exhibition unique is the inclusion of such famous works as the
Three Graces, the Naiade and Italian Venere. They stand next to the statue
of Paolina Bonaparte Borghese. This piece is permanently shown in the
gallery and is regarded as Canova at his best.
The portrait
of Napoleon’s young sister was desired by her husband, the prince
Camillo Borghese. He had taste; art historians believe the Paolina Bonaparte is the
representation of Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty and love.
As visitors will realize, pagan mythology has been a primary source of inspiration for the artist. According to John Cabot University's William Pettit, a professor of studio arts, the gallery is a rare opportunity for art lovers in Rome. “It is a great opportunity to experience firsthand the last great sculptor of Italy’s golden age," he said.
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