Life Drawing and Painting home study course gallery – No. 9

Assignment: The Canovian Gypostheca

Our theme this week focuses on a particular artist and a curious collection…

The Canovian Gypostheca is a large room dedicated to plaster casts of sculptures made by renowned Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822) and is part of the Museo Gypsotheca Canova in his home village of Possagno, Italy.

Brought together in 1829, the plaster casts are faithful copies of the sculptor’s marble pieces which are now located in collections around the world. Famed for his neo-classicist approach and mythological themes, Canova’s sculpture take their cue from classic Roman and Greek sculpture. Whilst the excavated marbles from antiquity were once painted, Canova favoured a more parred-down aesthetic and his marble work, like the archaeological treasures, remains white.

Here’s a selection of artwork and prepatory studies made by some artists taking part in the session.

Look out for another gallery of work coming soon…

Jill T – Hercules and Lichas Ink on paper

Jill T – Endymion Pastel on paper

Pauline – Hercules & Lichas Graphite on paper

Pauline – Magdalene Charcoal on paper

Biba Hunjan – I’ll Struggle On Graphite on paper

Mario Lautier Vella – Transactions Charcoal and acrylic on canvas

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