Antonio CanovaItalian, 1757–1822Sleeping Nymph
About the sculpture
This statue representing a sleeping nymph was made by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) and finished by his assistants after the master's death.
Canova made the plaster model for this figure in 1820. In 1821 he was commissioned to make a marble version for Lord Lansdowne, but this was unfinished at his death. It was completed in his workshop, and sent to Lord Lansdowne in 1824.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Particulars
- Accession number
- A.30-1930
Meanwhile, in the life of Antonio Canova
The whole life11 July 1819
Lays the foundation stone of his own temple in Possagno
After his 1814 proposal for a statue of Religion in St Peter’s was rejected, Canova resolved to build his own temple: he designed and financed the building himself and partly built it, combining the Parthenon and the Pantheon. On 11 July 1819 he laid the foundation stone, dressed in a red papal uniform and wearing all his medals, and afterwards visited Possagno every autumn to direct the workmen.
1822 · Award
honorary citizen of Asolo
1822
A trip to Naples undermines his health
In 1822 Canova travelled to Naples to superintend the making of wax moulds for an equestrian statue of Ferdinand VII; the venture was disastrous for his health, but he soon recovered enough to return to Rome and from there to travel to Venice, where he died on 13 October at the age of 64. He never married.
12 October 1822
Leaves his whole estate to complete the temple
The day before his death Canova instructed his brother to use his entire estate to complete the temple in Possagno.
13 October 1822
Died
