- 168
Italie, vers 1820-1830, d'après Antonio Canova (1757-1821) Vénus Italica
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 EUR
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Description
- Vénus Italica
- en marble blanc
- Haut. 115 cm; height 45 1/3 in.
Literature
M. Praz, L'opera completa del Canova, Milan, 1976, pl. 38-39, n°168.
Condition
The marble in very good overall condition with some natural veining and inclusions at several places. Minor surface dirt which can be easily removed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
A la demande de Louis Ier d'Etrurie, Antonio Canova réalise en 1802 la Vénus Italica (aujourd'hui au Palazzo Pitti) destinée à combler le vide laissé par le marbre antique de la Vénus Médicis, prise par les troupes napoléoniennes. Un temps indécis, le sculpteur se pique de se confronter aux grands modèles antiques - probablement dans l'intention inavouée de les surpasser. Le marbre, achevé en 1812, fascine par la beauté de ses canons classiques adaptés à une vision plus contemporaine de la grâce féminine. Lucien Bonaparte, prince de Canino et frère de l'empereur, compte parmi les premiers admirateurs de Canova à en demander une réplique. Plusieurs sculpteurs du XIXe siècle reprirent ce sujet, dont le sculpteur florentin Antonio Frilli (mort en 1892), qui réalisa entre autres une remarquable copie grandeur nature de ce modèle (Sotheby's New York, le 22 Avril 2010, lot 101, vendue 50 000€).