King of Neoclassical sculpture, who made marble tender as skin
The supreme representative of Neoclassical sculpture, hailed as the greatest sculptor since Bernini. He returned to the pure, ideal beauty of ancient Greece and Rome, polishing marble smooth and fine until it seemed to have the softness and warmth of real skin. In Cupid and Psyche, the instant of two lovers embracing is graceful, serene, and moving. He worked for Napoleon’s family and the royal houses of Europe, the most renowned artist of his age.
Canova’s mastery of polishing marble was miraculous; he is said to have rubbed and refined the surface with soft cloth by candlelight until the stone gave off a soft glow like living skin. Viewers could hardly resist reaching out to touch — the body looked so warm, so soft, that they forgot it was in fact a block of cold stone.
Below are how modern works borrow or reinterpret this name or story — not the original material. The two differ, so keep them apart.