Livio Pestilli's 'Canova and His World' Recasts Neoclassical Sculptor as Rule-Breaker
Livio Pestilli's 'Canova and His World' reframes Antonio Canova (1757–1822) not as a conventional Neoclassical sculptor but as a radical artist who broke classical rules. The book opens with contemporary criticism of Canova's works, such as 'Hercules and Lichas' being deemed overly muscled and 'Daedalus and Icarus' criticized for naturalism. Canova's 'Cupid and Psyche' featured an X-shaped composition with vertical wings, and its rotating pedestal confused viewers. Pestilli explores Canova's diplomatic role: he traveled to Paris to recover looted Italian artworks and represented the papacy at the 1815 Treaty of Paris, securing returns. Canova's nude portrait of Napoleon as 'Mars the Peacemaker' displeased the emperor. The book compares Canova to Bernini, arguing both dominated Rome, ran large workshops, and prioritized drawing. Canova used non-marble components (wire, bronze) and separate carved limbs for dramatic effect. His plaster models were exhibited recently in the US; a huge equestrian statue was reassembled for a 2025 Milan exhibition. Published by Lund Humphries in June 2026.
Key facts
- Livio Pestilli's 'Canova and His World' is published by Lund Humphries in June 2026.
- The book presents Canova as a rule-breaking artist, not a conventional Neoclassicist.
- Canova's 'Hercules and Lichas' was criticized for excessive musculature and emotion.
- 'Daedalus and Icarus' was criticized for naturalism, including sagging flesh and casual poses.
- 'Cupid and Psyche' had an X-shaped composition with vertical wings and a rotating pedestal.
- Canova acted as a cultural ambassador, recovering looted artworks after the Napoleonic wars.
- He represented the papacy at the 1815 Treaty of Paris, securing return of treasures.
- Canova's nude portrait of Napoleon as 'Mars the Peacemaker' displeased the emperor.
- The book compares Canova to Bernini, highlighting similarities in workshop practices and media mixing.
- Canova used non-marble components like wire and bronze, and separate carved limbs for dramatic effect.
- A huge equestrian statue was reassembled from plaster pieces for a 2025 Milan exhibition.
Entities
Artists
- Antonio Canova
- Livio Pestilli
- Thomas Lawrence
- Jean-Antoine Houdon
- Johann Winckelmann
- Praxiteles
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Benvenuto Cellini
- Napoleon Bonaparte
- Marie Louise
- Pauline Bonaparte
- Pope Clement XIV
- Lord Elgin
Institutions
- Museo Canova
- Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna
- Museo Correr
- Louvre
- Apsley House
- Vatican Museums
- Palazzo Doria-Tursi
- Santi Apostoli
- Lund Humphries
- DailyArt Magazine
Locations
- Possagno
- Italy
- Rome
- Paris
- France
- Venice
- London
- UK
- Vatican City
- Genoa
- Milan
- United States