Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Ideal Head (Erato?)
Antonio Canova Italian
Not on view
This recent discovery is an important addition to the small group of exquisite marble heads that Canova carved when he was Europe’s foremost Neoclassical sculptor. Although differing in subject, all represent his concept of ideal beauty. Here Canova probably depicts Erato, the classical Greek muse who inspired lyric love poetry.
Canova poises Erato’s head over a swanlike neck, framing her calm features against an elaborate hairstyle of coiling braids and springy, chiseled curls. The polishing of the face and neck imparts sensuous warmth to stony flesh, and the slightly open lips glow, intimating life. By giving his conception sculptural form, Canova strove to instill in his viewers a feeling of transcendent love inspired by a beautiful ideal.
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