Description
Book SynopsisThis fascinating book tells the story of a little-known masterpiece by the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822)-the statue of George Washington for the North Carolina State House, delivered in 1821 and destroyed by fire ten years later. It brings together for the first time Canova's full-sized preparatory plaster model, sketches, engravings, drawings, and a selection of Thomas Jefferson's letters about the commission. This is a major addition to the current body of published knowledge on the work of Antonio Canova, as well as on the classical revivalist sculpture of the early nineteenth century on both sides of the Atlantic.
Trade Review"A two-century-old statue of the nation's father, in the buff, is coming to the United States for the first time. And, no, he didn't pose for it."--James Barron, The New York Times, April 23, 2017 "Italian Art Rarities Will Make American Debut at the Frick"--Joshua Barone, The New York Times, April 7, 2017
Table of ContentsDirector's Foreword; Preface and Acknowledgments; "The Boast and Pride of North America"-Antonio Canova's George Washington by Xavier F. Salomon; The Classical Conception of Antonio Canova by Mario Guderzo; Jefferson, Italy, and Palladio by Guido Beltramini; Appendix; Bibliography; Index; Photography Credits
