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Sleeping Nymph

Figure
1821-1824 (carved)
Artist/Maker
Canova, Antonio (sculptor)
Canova, Antonio (workshop of)
Place of origin
Rome (made)

This statue representing a sleeping nymph was made by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) and finished by his assistants after the master's death.
Canova made the plaster model for this figure in 1820. In 1821 he was commissioned to make a marble version for Lord Lansdowne, but this was unfinished at his death. It was completed in his workshop, and sent to Lord Lansdowne in 1824.

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read Antonio Canova – an introduction Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757 – 1822) is considered the leading figure of the Neoclassical style, inspired by the sculptures of Ancient Greece and Rome. His sculptures such as 'The Three Graces' and 'Theseus and the Minotaur' were praised for their idealised beauty and their calm y...

Object details

Category
Sculpture
Object type
Figure
TitleSleeping Nymph (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Marble
Marble
Carved
Brief description
Statue, marble, of a Sleeping Nymph, by Antonio Canova, Rome, 1821-1824
Physical description
A naked girl, or nymph, is seen sleeping on a rock partly covered with drapery.
Dimensions
  • Length: 194.3cm
  • Width: 80cm
  • Weight: 900kg
  • Plinth weight: 400kg
400 kg is plinth weight alone which measures H x 930 L x 2286 W x 1086
Credit line
Given by Art Fund
Object history
Workshop of Antonio Canova, Rome (1821-4); Lansdowne House, London (1824-1930); sale Christie's London 5 March 1930, no. 119; purchased by the V&A.
Subject depicted
Nymph
Summary
This statue representing a sleeping nymph was made by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) and finished by his assistants after the master's death.
Canova made the plaster model for this figure in 1820. In 1821 he was commissioned to make a marble version for Lord Lansdowne, but this was unfinished at his death. It was completed in his workshop, and sent to Lord Lansdowne in 1824.
Associated object
Bibliographic references
  • Alessio Costarelli, Canova e gli Inglesi, Milan, 2022, p.222-4, cat. 30.
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, Review of the Principal Acquisitions During the Year 1930. London. pp. 3-4. pl. III.
  • Padiyas, S. "Review of the exhibition, Canova e la Venere vincitrice". Burlington Magazine. CL. January, 2008. p. 58.
  • Grandesso, S. In: Coliva, A., Mazzocca, F., eds. Canova e la Venere vincitrice. Milano, 2007. pp. 232-235.
  • Androsov, Sergej et al. Canova Milano : Skira, 2003, cat.IV.14
  • Clifford, T. et. al. The Three Graces Antonio Canova. Edinburgh, 1995. pp. 78-9.
  • Bober, P. P., Rubinstein, R. D. Renaissance Artists and Antique Sculpture, A Handbook of Sources. Oxford, 1986. p. 130.
  • Pope-Hennessy, John. Catalogue of Italian Sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: HMSO, 1964. cat. no. 701.
  • Hubert, G. La sculpture dans l'Italie Napolèonienne. Paris, 1964. fig. 209. pp. 433-438.
  • Maclagan, Eric and Longhurst, Margaret H. Catalogue of Italian Sculpture. London, 1932. p. 166.
  • Meyer, A. G. Canova. Bielefeld, Leipzig, Velhagen & Klasing, 1898. p. 97. fig. 81.
  • Moses, H. The works of Antonio Canova in sculpture and modelling. London, 1824. III.
Collection
Sculpture Collection
Accession number
A.30-1930

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O16238/sleeping-nymph-figure-canova-antonio/
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