Art Funded by you

Ideal Head

Antonio Canova, 1817

The bust is of the type known as Calliope, the Muse of Epic Poetry. It demonstrates Canova's own opinion of his work, that each version superseded earlier ones in attaining an ideal of perfection. It bears out the importance he attached to creating the integrity of a work in the round, for the work is as satisfying from the back as it is in profile. The work has one of the finest and most fascinating provenances of any Canova in the country.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Ideal Head, 1817

Date supported

1996

Medium and material

Marble

Dimensions

53 cm

Grant

50000

Total cost

746000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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