Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
ADJUNCT MODULE B: ITALIAN ART
Preferred Title:
Paolina Borghese as Venus Victrix
Image View:
Detail, view of the short end of couch with realistic carved "drapes", gilding and mix of stone color
Creator:
Antonio Canova (Italian sculptor, 1757-1822)
Location:
repository: Galleria Borghese (Rome, Lazio, Italy)
Location Note:
Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5
GPS:
41.914 12.492
Date:
1804-1808 (creation)
Cultural Context:
Italian
Style Period:
Néo-Grec; Neoclassical; Nineteenth century
Work Type 1:
sculpture (visual work)
Classification:
Sculpture and Installations
Material:
marble
Technique:
carving (processes)
Measurements:
160 cm (height) x 192 cm (length)
Subjects:
human figure; rulers and leaders; Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821; Napoleonic Wars, 1800-1815; Venus (Roman deity)
Description:
Canova’s portraits were particularly in demand from members of Napoleon’s family and entourage, of whom he made numerous busts. The most famous and fascinating portrait is that of Paolina Borghese Bonaparte as Venus Victorious, in which Canova revived the Venuses of the Venetian school of the 16th century. The sensuality of the nude figure, modelled with exquisite softness, contrasts with the artificiality of the pose; the face is in profile and the subject seems to be trying to evade the gaze of the onlooker. The refinement with which the marble is finished was brought out to the full by the artificial light in which the work was originally shown, in a room set aside for it alone. (Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.oxfordart online.com/)
Collection:
Adjunct Module B: Italian Art
Identifier:
7A1-CANOVA-BG-PBV-A2 1
Rights:
© Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.

Paolina Borghese as Venus Victrix