Bust of Paris

In this beloved marble view

Above the works and thoughts of Man

What Nature could but would not, do,

And Beauty and Canova can!

Beyond Imagination’s power

Beyond the Bard’s defeated art,

With Immortality her dower,

Behold the Helen of the heart.

(Lord Byron, 1816, after seeing Canova’s marble Helen.)

Canova’s cool, cerebral compositions, combined with his dazzling technical skills as a carver, made him the most celebrated sculptor of the 19th century. The effect of his sculptures, which were almost always pure white, immediately evokes ideal images of Ancient Greece and Rome. The late 18th and early 19th century was a time of extreme turbulence and political and social chaos. Ruling dynasty’s and empires vanished and new ones appeared, as if overnight, and yet these calm and controlled gods and goddesses, warriors and heroines of the Ancient world, remain above the fray and must have been aesthetically calming to collectors and looking to the past for reassurance.

Canova was searching for ideal beauty – something we see again and again in his sculpture, especially his busts – and in Paris and Helen he achieved it. They remain as perfectly beautiful today as they were when they were created in 1812.

One of two sculptures depicting Paris and Helen. Model by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) and cast by Vincenzo Malpieri, Paris.

Our figures are made by hand using high quality natural marble stone therefor each piece is unique and may slightly be different in shape and color.

★ Can be placed in the living room, garden, bonsai office, bedroom, bookstore, study, library, store, desk, car.

★ Gift idea for your friends and family, for those who are struggling, tired, depressed.

Material: natural marble

Feel free to contact us with any other questions. Thank you for supporting our small business!