Self-Portrait
Antonio D'Este
1810
Medium
Marble
Dimensions
68 × 33 cm (26 3/4 × 13 in.)
Classification
sculpture
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
262099
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Antonio d’Este probably carved this grand self-portrait to commemorate his election to the Accademia di San Luca, a prestigious academy of artists in Rome. The muscular torso, idealized facial features, and carefully delineated, sinuous hair demonstrate the artist’s knowledge of ancient Roman portrait busts, which he gained while working as a restorer of ancient marbles at the Vatican Museums. Este was a favored student and collaborator of Antonio Canova, the most renowned sculptor during his li...