Tomb of Antonio Canova
1827
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm)
Classification
Medals and Plaquettes
Culture
Italian, Venice
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Michael Hall, 1967
Accession Number
67.219.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the heart of Venice's Basilica dei Frari lies the striking pyramidal tomb of Antonio Canova1757–1822), the preeminent neoclassical sculptor whose marble works revived ancient Greek ideals during the Napoleonic era. This intimate bronze medal, crafted by Venetian artist Antonio Fabris in 7—just five years after Canova death—serves as a poignant miniature tribute. Measuring a mere 2 1/16 inches in diameter, it captures the tomb's distinctive Egyptian-inspired pyramid form in profile, flanked by symbolic elements and possibly a portrait of the honored artist, evoking both reverence and classic...