Canova, Antonio, Marquese d'Ischia (1757–1822)

Italian neoclassical sculptor. He was based in Rome from 1781. He received commissions from popes, kings, and emperors for his highly finished marble portrait busts and groups of figures. He made several portraits of Napoleon.

Canova was born near Treviso. His reclining marble Pauline Borghese as Venus 1805–07 (Borghese Gallery, Rome) is a fine example of his cool, polished classicism. He executed the tombs of popes Clement XIII, Pius VII, and Clement XIV. His marble sculptures include Cupid and Psyche 1793 (Louvre, Paris) and The Three Graces (Victoria and Albert Museum, London).