AFTER ANTONIO CANOVA (1757-1822) A MARBLE FIGURE OF HEBE, MID 19TH CENTURY
AFTER ANTONIO CANOVA (1757-1822) A MARBLE FIGURE OF HEBE
MID 19TH CENTURY
Set on original stone pedestal
Figure 163.5cm high, 250cm high overall
Hebe is among Antonio Canova's most successful and recognisable models. From its conception in 1795 it was praised for its originality with the composition and depiction of a classical subject not based on an antique model but invented by Canova himself. Canova let Hebe glide down from the clouds, pouring the wine she served to the gods. It is possible that in its original state- this figure may have been holding a ewer in her right hand and cup in her left. The presence of the tree trunk indicates it is taken from the third state onwards of Canova's composition- akin to the Chatsworth example from 1808. However the presence of the necklace and diadem indicates the sculptor has knowledge of the fourth version executed for the Countess Veronica Guarini di Forli in 1816/1817. The quality of this example would suggest that it was made not long after the sculptor's death and it still bears the marble strengtheners between the fingers which would normally be filed off after transport from Italy to the U.K.
RELATED LITERATURE
G.C. Argan, Canova all'Ermitage. Le sculture del museo di San Pietroburgo, exh. cat. Palazzo Ruspoli, Rome, 1992, pp. 92-94; O. Stefani, Antonio Canova. La statuaria, Milan, 1999, pp. 84-88, no. 7
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AFTER ANTONIO CANOVA (1757-1822) A MARBLE FIGURE OF HEBE
MID 19TH CENTURY
Set on original stone pedestal
Figure 163.5cm high, 250cm high overall
Hebe is among Antonio Canova's most successful and recognisable models. From its conception in 1795 it was praised for its originality with the composition and depiction of a classical subject not based on an antique model but invented by Canova himself. Canova let Hebe glide down from the clouds, pouring the wine she served to the gods. It is possible that in its original state- this figure may have been holding a ewer in her right hand and cup in her left. The presence of the tree trunk indicates it is taken from the third state onwards of Canova's composition- akin to the Chatsworth example from 1808. However the presence of the necklace and diadem indicates the sculptor has knowledge of the fourth version executed for the Countess Veronica Guarini di Forli in 1816/1817. The quality of this example would suggest that it was made not long after the sculptor's death and it still bears the marble strengtheners between the fingers which would normally be filed off after transport from Italy to the U.K.
RELATED LITERATURE
G.C. Argan, Canova all'Ermitage. Le sculture del museo di San Pietroburgo, exh. cat. Palazzo Ruspoli, Rome, 1992, pp. 92-94; O. Stefani, Antonio Canova. La statuaria, Milan, 1999, pp. 84-88, no. 7
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
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