Canova's Napoleon Bust and Iconography

He didn't like Napoleon because he destroyed the independence of Venice, looted Italy, and humiliated Pope Pius VII.

The sculpture is larger than life-sized, depicts Napoleon as tall with a perfectly proportioned idealized nude physique, and is twisting to the right with his right arm outstretched.

Napoleon's pose, facing the viewer with his head turned to the right, in an energetic stride and with his left arm raised, conveys confidence, authority, and dynamism.

<p>The French Ambassador involved Pope Pius, warning that a refusal by Canova could result in problems for Rome and the papacy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Canova did not like Napoleon due to his actions of destroying the independence of Venice, looting Italy, and humiliating Pope Pius VII.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Napoleon's physique, with prominent iliac crest indicating virility and masculinity, combined with his pose and stance, conveyed a sense of authority and power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Napoleon wanted to be represented as a powerful peacemaker and own a work by the most famous artist in the world, while also not wanting to be culturally outdone by his brother-in-law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In the sculpture, Napoleon holds a globe with a statue of Victory, a vast staff with an eagle, and wears a clamys. He has removed his breastplate and sword, setting them against an olive tree stump.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Canova used Carrara marble for the sculpture. He represented the skin with fine, closely aligned chisel scratches to create soft reflections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Napoleon wanted to own a work by the most famous artist in the world, Canova, to enhance his cultural standing and not be outdone by his brother-in-law who also collected Canova's works.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Canova first made a clay bozzetto, then a full-size modello, and finally carved the sculpture from a large block of Carrara marble.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Canova included a globe with a Victory statue, a staff with an eagle, and an olive tree stump. Napoleon's removed breastplate and sword also add symbolism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Because at the time it was considered questionable and even ridiculous.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nude, as the allegorical figure of Mars.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Farnese Hercules and the Apollo Belvedere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To enhance features such as straightening the nose and heightening the cheekbones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Admired him for unifying Italy and modernizing institutions, but resented him for the conquest of his native land and the removal of Italian masterpieces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Protection and flattery.</p> Signup and view all the answers