Portret van Antonio Canova 1805

Jacob Merz made this print of Antonio Canova sometime around the turn of the 19th century. It captures the Italian sculptor Canova within a classical oval frame, a choice that immediately associates him with the artistic traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. Portraits like this one played a crucial role in shaping the public image of artists during this period. The print media allowed for wider circulation of likenesses, contributing to the idea of the artist as a celebrity. Consider the institutional context: Canova was celebrated across Europe, becoming synonymous with Neoclassical sculpture. His fame was not accidental but carefully cultivated through patronage, exhibitions, and, yes, even prints such as this. Understanding this image means delving into the world of 18th and 19th-century art institutions, exploring how artists were promoted, and examining the social networks that supported their careers. By consulting period publications, letters, and exhibition records, we can better appreciate the forces that shaped Canova's image and, more broadly, the cultural values of his time.