Gypsum casts of ancient and contemporary sculptures came in noble residences of Casalmaggiore, used as quality materials, during the nineteenth century.
This colossal Self-portait of Antonio Canova hails from Molossi’s noble home and derives from the original one in marble which is today located in the Temple of Canova in Possagno, near to the master’s tomb. The piece was accomplished by Canova in Rome in 1812 and he created himself many casts to offer to his friends, who loved his art, and to neoclassical promoters with the purpose of promoting his work. Among the promoters there was Giuseppe Bossi, point of reference in Diotti’s roman formation. Diotti was certainly inspired by Canova’s production in particular to bas-reliefs.
This is the reason why the Self-portrait is located in the hall of the Museum dedicated to the formation of the painter, near to essays and many molds and prints. The aim is to show from which figurative models Diotti was inspired.
The relationship with Canova is more evident here: Canova chose to let his memory in his native Possagno and that influenced Diotti to come back to Casalmaggiore, imagining the new home as the conclusive destiny of his work and memory.
Scuola si disegno "Bottoli" Fund
