Venus Italica

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

Overview

Provenance

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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