Antonio Canova (1757–1822)
George Washington, 1818
Plaster
27 1/2 x 18 1/8 x 14 5/8 in. (70 x 46 x 37 cm)
Gypsotheca e Museo Antonio Canova, Possagno
Fondazione Canova onlus, Possagno; photo Fabio Zonta
Canova often preserved the images of his sitters in plaster, such as this bust of George Washington. These could be used in the workshop to produce subsequent marble versions. This plaster was kept in the sculptor’s workshop until his death, even though no marble busts after it are known.