Description

Late C19th /early C20th neo-classical terracotta statue "Venus Italica" after Canova.
Well-modelled terracotta sculpture after an 1812 marble original sculpted by Antonio Canova (1757-1822). Canova's famous white marble Venus Italica is in the Pitti Palace , Florence , Italy . Taking its inspiration from the antique Greco-Romano copy of a Hellenistic Aphrodite rising from the Sea, it draws its influences from other versions of Venus Pudica (Venus concealing her modesty) in antiquity. Ludovici I , King of Etruria ,
gave Canova the commission for the original figure in 1802 , asking him to interpret the magnificent white marble Venus de Medicis , which at the time was in France, having been seized and carried off by Napoleon (Now returned to Florence and in the Uffizi). In the Pitti Palace this sculpture stands in the 'Sala di Venere' ( 'Room of the Venus' ).
Canova created several versions of the subject , working on his Venus Italica from 1804 until its completion in 1812. Canova's neo-classical adaption portrays the beautiful goddess clutching drapery to her breast in a gesture both seductive and coy.
The Italian Antonio Canova is regarded as the greatest of the neo-classical artists, famous for his marble sculptures.
Good large-scale decorative neo-classical statue in excellent condition with no damage or repairs . Has weathering , moss and lichen due to exposure to the elements from its previous location as a garden centrepiece.
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Would enhance an interior or exterior scheme.
H 47"
W 16"
D 16"
England or Italy c.1900
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
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Internal Ref: ML 1611