Moira Mascotto

«To say ‘beauty’ is an understatement. The marble sculptures by the Maestro from Possagno are exhibited in Italy and the world’s most prestigious museums, attracting thousands of visitors for the level of formal perfection and realistic representation that have made Canova the greatest sculptor of the late 1700s and early 1800s. However, our museum conceals a hidden treasure. Although the casts represent the same subjects, here matter transforms itself: clay is used for scale sketches, while plaster for scale and full-sized models. These materials reveal the Artist’s true essence, manual skills and constant research: with clay, Canova moves quickly, changing his mind, adding and subtracting matter, and making every artwork a mosaic of his ever-evolving thoughts. Plaster, instead, is the phase before the perfection of marble, but the dedication of the man at work, shaping and polishing the raw material, can still be perceived. The Museum also includes the house where Canova was born, a place of inestimable value that hosts his paintings and personal belongings, thus offering a more intimate vision of the Artist, a true encounter with the man himself, that can be perceived in every work of art».

«When the original structure of the Gypsotheca was built, thanks to the enlightened vision of Giovanni Battista Sartori, Canova’s half-brother, the primary intention was to gather, in a single, safe and majestic place, the Maestro’s plaster works, recreating the atmosphere of his atelier in Rome. With the addition designed by Carlo Scarpa in the mid-1900s, instead, this objective evolved. It was no longer just about preserving, it wished to enhance, give space to and illuminate the works, so that they could come to life inside the exhibition venue. Carlo Scarpa harmoniously merged ancient with modern, and Canova’s artwork, housed both in the 19th-century and 20th-century wings, acts as an essential connecting element. But the classicism of Canova’s artwork is innovative in itself: perfect body shapes are accompanied by timeless faces, universal archetypes. Moreover, light and nature – skillfully used by both Canova and Scarpa – lend a timeless feel to the Museum».

«I firmly believe that a place like the Museum Gypsotheca Antonio Canova can and must inspire contemporary creatives. The Artist is not just an example of exceptional artistic ability, he also embodies devotion to work and meticulous attention to detail, two essential values in any creative area, within the quest for perfection and the search for beauty and harmony.  In the present-day scenario, where technology and automation play an increasingly important role, rediscovering the value of manual work can offer a new perspective. Fashion, design, architecture and even electronics can be inspired by the Artist’s methodical and reflective approach. There’s more to it than just creating something useful, it’s about infusing every project with beauty and uniqueness, which entail a deep understanding of the materials and techniques used».