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Lions from the Vatican Statue Set
Set of two sculptures by artist Antonio Canova (1757 -1822) St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
Item# NG99035
$39.95
Expected back in stock: January 26
Since the 18th century these supremely strong and confident lions have flanked the tomb of Pope Clement XIII in Rome. Created by Canova, the most influential neoclassic sculptor, these awe-inspiring creatures continued the centuries-old tradition of doorway sentinels. Cast in designer resin, our historic lions will guard your bookcase or mantel top.
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About The Artist
Antonio Canova (1757-1822)
Antonio Canova was a Venetian sculptor famous for his marble sculptures of nudes delicately detailed and classically refined. Canova is the quintessential Neoclassical sculptor; his work marked a return to the classical order following the grandiose theatrics of the Baroque movement.
Both Canova's father and grandfather were stonecutters and as soon as young Antonio could hold a pencil he began to follow into the family profession and quickly became attached to his art.
By 1775 Canova had opened his own studio and his first sculpture was deemed so realistic that he was accused of making plaster casts from live models. In 1779 Canova settled in Rome where he was strongly influenced by classical antiquity. Theseus Slaying the Centaur first established Canova's fame in Rome as a sculptor. The Theseus was admired much for the visible physical exhaustion of the victorious Theseus while a simple and natural expression displays on his face. Canova's sculpture united the revered concepts of grandeur and truth.
Among Canova's greatest sculptures were the tombs for two popes Clement XIII and Clement XIV the former flanked by Canova's Grand Lions. Canova's sculpture of Cupid and Psyche however was the sculpture most admired by his contemporaries along with his other sculptures depicting the mythological.
Antonio Canova was the greatest sculptor of his time dubbed "the supreme minister of beauty" and "a unique and truly divine man." Until his death Canova's renown grew throughout Europe and eventually the entire world.
More works by this artist -
Weights & Dimensions
- Each 12"Wx3.5"Dx5"H. 2 lbs.
