Memoirs of Antonio Canova: With a Critical Analysis of his Works, and an Historical View of Modern Sculpture

by John Smythe Memes

Overview

The foremost neoclassical sculptor of his age, Antonio Canova (1757–1822) is best known for his masterpiece The Three Graces, embodying in marble an ideal of feminine beauty. Descended from stonecutters, Canova was apprenticed to the sculptor Giuseppe Bernardi, quickly establishing his reputation for originality through works such as Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss. The idealism of his art, moving away from ornate baroque style, did much to increase the popularity of contemporary sculpture, and his skills were greatly acclaimed and in demand during his lifetime. The present work, first published in 1825 by the Scottish minister John Smythe Memes (1795–1858), is one of the many eulogistic works that appeared soon after Canova's death. Opening with a contextualising history of the development of modern sculpture, the book closely studies Canova's body of work and also contains a chronological catalogue of his creations with details of their owners and locations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108065917
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/19/2013
Series:	Cambridge Library Collection - Art and Architecture
Pages:	600
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.34(d)

Table of Contents

1. Advantages of commencing with an historical review of modern sculpture; 2. Sculpture during the sixteenth century; 3. Birth and parentage of Canova; 4. Arrival of Canova in Venice; 5. State of the arts during the latter half of the eighteenth century; 6. Difficulties and opposition experienced by Canova; 7. Full establishment of Canova's reputation; 8. Retrospective view; Appendix.