This year, Venice in Peril embarks on the conservation of the only surviving gesso horse by Antonio Canova on a truly monumental scale at the Museo Civico in Bassano del Grappa. The plaster model, Cavallo Colossale (Colossal Horse), was created by Canova between 1819 and 1821 and was intended to be cast in bronze. Commissioned by Ferdinand I (IV) of Bourbon, King of Naples, the sculpture was meant to depict the king on horseback. However, Canova passed away in 1822 before completing the rider. The monument was later finished and installed in Piazza del Plebiscito in 1829. 

At Canova’s request, the plaster model was painted green to simulate bronze, giving a preview of how the final monument would appear, presumably so the client could see the finished effect. Canova devoted significant time to preparing the plaster model of the horse, producing one of his largest series of preparatory drawings, which are also at the Museo Civico. His contemporaries lauded the sculpture for its anatomical accuracy, with Canova’s friend Isabella Teotochi Albrizzi describing the horse as “a marvel to see.”

The Cavallo Colossale was modeled after an earlier plaster cast Canova had created between 1806 and 1810, which included a rider. Initially, the rider was intended to be Napoleon Bonaparte, but it was later adapted to depict Charles III of Bourbon, Ferdinand I’s father. The monument of Charles III was eventually cast in bronze and, like the Cavallo Colossale, placed in Piazza del Plebiscito. Both original plaster models were donated to the museum by Canova’s stepbrother, Giambattista Sartori Canova, alongside several other works by the artist. 

 The Cavallo Colossale was displayed in the museum’s south hall, while the plaster cast of the horse and rider for Charles III was placed in the north hall. Sadly, the horse and rider model was almost entirely destroyed during a bombing of the museum on April 24, 1945. The Cavallo Colossale remained intact until the museum’s former director, Passamani, had the sculpture dismantled and placed in storage in 1969, with plans to relocate it to a new spot within the museum eventually. 

Sadly, Canova’s Cavallo Colossale has spent the last fifty years in the museum’s storage in fragments. Only the horse’s head remains on display, but it is an indication of the magnificence of the entire piece. Venice in Peril’s upcoming intervention will focus on reconstructing the statue and replacing its armature—the internal support structure. The new armature will be made from non-corrosive materials, replacing the original iron framework. While the horse’s head received some conservation work twenty years ago, it now requires further treatment using more advanced and appropriate materials. 

Venice in Peril has previously supported the reconstruction of other Canova gessi, including the Rezzonico Lions and the modello for the Cenotaph of Titian at the Accademia. Canova’s Cavallo Colossale also serves as a link to our recent project restoring Canova’s Cenotaph in the Basilica dei Frari.  

Venice in Peril is committed to raising €50,000 to fund the restoration of Antonio Canova’s Cavallo Colossale. We invite you to support our project to safeguard Canova’s legacy and restore the cultural heritage of Venice for future generations of Venetians and admirers of this beautiful city.