Antonio Canova, 1757-1822, Sculptor [obverse] 1816

This is a silver medal made by Stefano Passamonti in the early 19th century. It depicts the sculptor Antonio Canova. The medal was likely created through a process of die-striking, where a design is engraved into a hardened metal die, which is then used to impress the image onto a blank metal disc with great force. The crispness of the portrait and lettering speaks to the precision and skill involved in this process. It’s a relatively efficient method of production, capable of creating multiples, and that speaks to a different kind of artistic economy than the unique sculptures Canova himself produced. Interestingly, this medal immortalizes Canova, whose own sculptures often celebrated historical figures. The choice of silver as a material adds a sense of value and permanence, reflecting Canova's esteemed status. This medal transforms Canova into a commodity, an object of admiration to be collected and possessed. It bridges the gap between artistic genius and the world of industry and commerce.