Exquisite Bronze & Marble Reclining Venus Holding Pomegranate, After Canova

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Exquisite Bronze & Marble Reclining Venus Holding Pomegranate, After Canova, 20th Century

A finely cast and chased bronze of a … Read more Exquisite Bronze & Marble Reclining Venus Holding Pomegranate, After Canova, 20th Century

A finely cast and chased bronze of a reclining classical beauty, inspired by Antonio Canova’s celebrated neoclassical compositions. The figure reclines gracefully on a carved white marble base evoking a draped couch, her head supported by one hand in a gesture of repose. In her other hand, she delicately holds a pomegranate—an ancient symbol of love, fertility, and immortality.

This adaptation draws upon Canova’s iconic Paolina Borghese as Venus Victrix and related reclining Venus models, reinterpreted here in a collectible scale for the early 20th-century decorative arts market. The bronze exhibits a rich brown patina, with the drapery subtly darkened to enhance contrast against the pale marble. Executed using the lost-wax casting method, the figure shows meticulous hand-chasing to articulate the folds of the robe, the intricacy of the coiffure, and the fruit’s texture.

Such mixed-media works continued the tradition of Grand Tour souvenirs, uniting fine Italian bronze casting with skilled marble carving. An elegant example of neoclassical revival taste, this sculpture remains in excellent condition with a pleasing age patina.

Measurements: 11" L × 6" H × 4" D See less