 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Featured here is one of the many works in the Government Art Collection, accompanied by further information about the work and the artist. The selection of works will change on a regular basis, so please come back again.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 2006
Antonio Canova (1757-1822) Sculptor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Artist |
|
|
|
|
George HAYTER |
|
| Title |
|
|
|
|
| Antonio Canova (1757-1822) Sculptor |
|
|
|
|
| Medium |
|
|
|
|
Oil on canvas |
|
| Dimensions |
|
|
|
|
98(H) x 74(W) |
|
| Acquisition |
|
|
|
|
Purchased from Christie's, 23 July 1954 |
|
| Number |
|
|
|
|
2817 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description
Antonio Canova was one of the greatest artists of the neoclassical tradition and
is known primarily for his sculptures. Included in this portrait is a model for
his famous sculpture of 'The Three Graces', a version of which was made for John
Russell, the sixth Duke of Bedford, who commissioned this portrait. Hayter met
the Italian sculptor in Rome, where this portrait was painted in 1817, while he
was travelling in Italy under the patronage of the Duke of Bedford. By this
time, Canova had become one of the most sought-after artists in Europe and was
the president of the Accademia di San Luca, the main artistic institution in
Rome, to which Hayter was admitted as its youngest ever member.
This portrait hangs in the official residence of the British Ambassador in Paris, which was originally occupied as such by the Duke of Wellington in the years immediately following the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars. Before the house was purchased by the British government, it had been the home of Pauline Borghese, the sister of Napoleon, who Canova had portrayed as Venus Victorius. In 1815 Canova was sent to Paris by Pope Pius VII to negotiate the return of art removed from Italy during the Napoleonic campaigns. He was a frequent visitor to the British Embassy, to the very house in which this portrait is now displayed, and was aided in his mission by the Duke of Wellington. On his return to Rome, Canova was made Marchese d'Ischia by the Pope in recognition of his efforts to secure the return of works of art. Hayter was appointed Principal Painter-in-Ordinary to Queen Victoria in 1841 and was knighted the following year. |
|
|
|
|
Back to main Featured Work page.
|
|
|
|
