Venus Italica

Workshop of Antonio Canova Italian
probably ca. 1822–23, variant of marble first executed 1810
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 515
Canova's first marble Venus is in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence. Known as the Venus Italica, it was ordered in 1804 by Ludovico I, King of Etruria, as a replacement for the ancient Medici Venus that had been taken by the French for the Musée Napoleon. This replica, purchased from Canova's studio by the third marquess of Londonderry in late 1826 or early 1827, remained in Londonderry House, London, until 1962.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Venus Italica
  • Artist: Workshop of Antonio Canova (Italian, Possagno 1757–1822 Venice)
  • Date: probably ca. 1822–23, variant of marble first executed 1810
  • Culture: Italian, Rome
  • Medium: Carrara marble
  • Dimensions: wt. confirmed: 69 in., 646 lb. (175.3 cm, 293 kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Lillian Rojtman Berkman, 2001
  • Object Number: 2003.21.1
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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