Canova and the birth of modern sculpture. The Theseus on the Minotaur

From 23rd March to 21st June 2025, the Museo Gypsotheca Antonio Canova in Possagno (TV) hosts the temporary exhibition Canova and the birth of modern sculpture dedicated to one of the earliest masterpieces sculpted by the renowned Venetian Artist: the Theseus on the Minotaur.

The initiative, curated by professor Elena Catra, member of the Fondazione Canova onlus scientific committee, was conceived when the Head of Theseus in plaster became part of our collection thanks to a gratuition loan granted by a private collector.  Visitors will enjoy the rare occasion to see it exposed, for the very first time, in Ala Lazzari, the XIX century wing of our Museum, displayed next to the very first scale plaster model of the group, owned by the Galleries of the Academy in Venice, and next to the final full size plaster model.

The exhibition examines in depth the creation and evolution of an artwork that was destined to become the turning point from the baroque ideals to the Neoclassical aesthetic theories. Canova, in fact, decided to abandon the traditional dynamic representation of the scene, showing the struggle between Theseus and the Minotaur, in favour of showing the quiet and rest of the hero with a meditative attitude after his victory. Theseus sits on the lifeless body of the Minotaur, holding the club in his left hand, showing the moral strength of mankind against the brutality of the beast.

The exhibition itinerary continues in Antonio Canova’s Birth house, with a selection of paintings, engravings, historical publications and documents connected to the masterpiece. The etching Theseus on the Minotaur, drawn by Sales Bonaventura and engraved by Raffaello Morghen after Canova’s invention, as well as Gavin Hamilton’s Self-portrait, stand out undoubtedly from the others.

The exhibition gives the opportunity to re-discover a crucial work in the Artist’s career: encouraged by the Venetian Ambassador in Rome Girolamo Zulian, Canova conceived and realised it during his educational stay in the Eternal City.

This is an unmissable chance to understand Canova’s role in the birth of modern sculpture and admire from very close the extraordinary technical ability he mastered combined with his neoclassical delicate forms.

The exhibition has been realised thanks to the support of Continuità di idee S.R.L. of Silea.