Giustiniani Stele

myminifactory

Antonio Canova is widely regarded as a leading figure in neoclassicism, renowned for his meticulous attention to aesthetic detail. Commissioned to create this work due to his strong ties with Padua, the relief stands out as a lesser-known gem of Canova's impressive oeuvre, still proudly displayed at The Museu Civici Eremitani today. Despite its understated appearance, the work conceals a rich and complex history that adds to its allure. Not only does it depict a pivotal moment in time, but also the intricate circumstances surrounding its creation make it an utterly captivating piece. On December 21st, 1795, scholar Giovanni Scardova dedicated a small street in Padua's San Gregorio district to Giralomo Giustiniani, a respected Venetian mayor. Canova was tasked with crafting a gift that would represent the city of Padua, and during its creation, the French invasion of Italy took place. On May 12th, 1797, Ludovico Manin, the last Doge of Venice, abdicated, marking the end of the republic. Canova was instructed to suspend the inscription dedicated to Giustiniani. In the early 1800s, the French seized the relief and Canova was ordered to remove the portrait of Giustiniani from the bass-relief and replace it with a new dedication in honor of Napoleon Bonaparte. Canova had no choice but to comply, creating a new drawing that read "NAPOLEON ME AVSPICAT". It took some time for the relief to be rediscovered, but in 1802, nobleman Antonio Conte Zacco-Lion emerged as a champion for those Paduans who sought to bring the work back to its rightful home. During this period, the inscription was replaced with one honoring Giustiniani's uncle, Nicolo, who had served as bishop of Padua and founder of the city's hospital. When the relief finally returned to Padova in October 1803, the inscription on the work was revised to read: "NIC. ANT. IVSTINIANO PONTIFICI NOSOCOMI POSTIFICENTI ME GRATES MIEDITANTEM VNVS SCVLPAT CANOVA" For more information about this remarkable sculpture, visit the provided link.