Antonio Canova. Modello for George Washington (detail), 1818. Plaster. Gypsotheca e Museo Antonio Canova, Possagno Fondazione Canova onlus, Possagno; photo Fabio Zonta
Installation view of Canova’s George Washington in the Oval Room Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Installation view of Canova’s George Washington in the East Gallery Photo: Michael Bodycomb- The statue embodies the early relationship between Italy and the US, and through this exhibit we’re happy to renew our vow of friendship. Finally this international initiative will return the great Italian sculptor Antonio Canova to his rightful place: as the greatest interpreter of neoclassicism.” Xavier F. Salomon, Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator of the Frick Collection
Antonio Canova. Bozzetto for George Washington, 1817Plaster. 31 1/2 × 18 1/8 × 26 3/4 inches. Gypsotheca e Museo Antonio Canova, Possagno Fondazione Canova onlus, Possagno; photo Fabio Zonta
Antonio Canova. George Washington, 1818. Plaster. 27 9/16 × 18 1/8 × 14 9/16 inches. Gypsotheca e Museo Antonio Canova, Possagno Fondazione Canova onlus, Possagno; photo Fabio Zonta
Antonio Canova. Study for George Washington, 1817 Graphite on paper. 3 1/8 × 3 15/16 inches. Bassano del Grappa, Museo Civico. Su gentile concessione MBA Musei Biblioteca Archivio di Bassano del Grappa
Antonio Canova. Studies for the Equestrian Monument to Charles III of Naples and for George Washington, 1817. Graphite on paper. 7 9/16 × 5 3/16 inches. Bassano del Grappa, Museo Civico. Su gentile concessione MBA Musei Biblioteca Archivio di Bassano del Grappa- I’m very fond of this exhibit is because in 2013, when I was among the organizers of the 2013 “Year of Culture in the United States,” I was in contact with Mount Vernon, Washington’s house in Virginia, to discuss the exhibition. I’m truly happy that it was so well conceived and, who knows, the idea of a future tribute in the house of George Washington is lurking in my mind. Renato Miracco
From the left: Francesco Genuardi, Consul General of Italy, Mario Guderzo, Director of the Gypsotheca and Museo Antonio Canova and Xavier F. Salomon, Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator of the Frick Collection; at the opening event at the Frick Collection
Xavier F. Salomon with Ambassador Italy to Washington Armando Varricchio that was present at the opening event
The Three Graces and Venus Dancing in front of Mars by Canova Antonio (1798)
Antonio Canova, Autoritratto. Photo Fabio Zonta. Gypsotheca e Museo Antonio Canova, Possano. From the exhibition at the Consulate General of Italy NY- Canova has folded the City of New York in a warm cultural embrace. Francesco Genuardi, Consul General of Italy in NY
From the exhibition at the Consulate General of Italy NY