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a white marble bust of a woman with curly hair
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ALEXANDRE LANDRE - SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS

101 - Antonio CANOVA (1757–1822), after
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Estimate €10,000 - €15,000
Sale commission
Description
Antonio CANOVA (1757–1822), after Italian school, 19th century. Bust of Paris White marble sculpture, resting on a pedestal. H_67 cm W_32 cm (Slight knocks) This is a very fine version of the bust created in 1809 by the sculptor Canova for his friend Antoine Quatremère de Quincy, a theorist of Neoclassicism who exerted a great influence on the artist. The work depicts the moment when the shepherd Paris turns his head to choose which of the goddesses – Hera, Athena or Aphrodite – is the fairest. The work received an enthusiastic reception from critics, who emphasised that the curls escaping from the Phrygian cap lent the face an air of sensuality and idealised gentleness. Quatremère de Quincy praised the ‘harmony of the contours, (the) firmness mingled with grace in the forms, (the) beauty in all its aspects’. At the same time, Canova was creating a full-length version for Joséphine, intended for Malmaison and now in St Petersburg. Both works were highly successful, as Canova went on to produce four full-length versions and at least seven busts. Expert: Philippe COMMENGES - Expert: COMMENGES Philippe
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About the sale Collection of the Château de Villebourgeon & others
Auction location
Auction time 10/04/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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