Louvre Masterclass X : Italian Sculpture: From Donatello to Canova

This tenth Louvre Masterclass is devoted to Italian sculpture, tracing its development from the Renaissance through the Baroque to Neoclassicism in a journey from Donatello to Canova. Close examination of individual works will reveal the principal stages of this evolution.

During the fifteenth century, Italian sculptors rediscovered models from classical Antiquity and developed new approaches to depicting the human figure and carving relief. While Donatello's naturalism influenced an entire school, the Quattrocento also retained distinctive regional traditions, including Florence and the gentle style associated with Settignano, and Naples through the work of Laurana. The session will also touch on ornamental sculpture through the doorway of the Stanga Palace.

The masterclass will then explore sixteenth-century sculpture, from Michelangelo to Giambologna, considering major developments in anatomical representation and the relationship between sculpture, space and the viewer, driven by new monumental ambitions. We will then turn to Roman Baroque sculpture through Bernini's remarkable sketches and his portrait of Richelieu, examples of an unprecedented exploration of movement and expressiveness.

The visit will conclude with Antonio Canova and Lorenzo Bartolini, identifying the key characteristics of Neoclassicism: references to classical Antiquity, idealisation of the body, the primacy of marble and finely worked detail.

Particular attention will be given to technical questions, including materials and the relationship with architecture, and historical questions such as commissions, collections and critical reception. These perspectives will help explain how sculptures were made, viewed, collected and incorporated into European museums.

Combining visual analysis and discussion, the masterclass will offer practical approaches to presenting Italian sculpture to different audiences and developing a coherent narrative around its many artistic and historical concerns.