Timeless Faces: Canova and the Classical Dream

The Pinacoteca di Brera presents a new exhibition dedicated to Antonio Canova, an undisputed Master of Neoclassicism. At the heart of the show are twelve plaster busts by the Venetian sculptor, created between 1807 and 1818 and rediscovered at Villa Canal in Gherla, in the province of Treviso. Restored after years of neglect, these masterpieces are now on view to the Milanese public, showcasing Canova’s extraordinary skill in translating the ideal of beauty into form. The subjects include mythological figures and female members of the Bonaparte family, such as Paolina Borghese and Letizia Ramolino. The exhibition also features the long-awaited return of the marble bust Vestale and a series of enamel miniatures inspired by the collection of art patron Giovanni Battista Sommariva. Set in the historic Room 1, the display reimagines the museum’s layout, restoring sculpture to a central role and offering a fresh perspective on a Master who helped shape both the artistic legacy and the identity of Brera.