Antonio Canova’s (1757-1822) relationship with British society and culture has always been considered of fundamental importance, yet only in recent years has it been the subject of more in-depth study. A comprehensive reflection that aimed to unite the many facets of the theme, reconstructing and interconnecting all the aspects underlying this mutually enriching relationship, was, however, still lacking in the rich Canova bibliography.

Starting from a detailed analysis of archival documentation and the many contemporary printed sources, this essay reconstructs the key distinctive aspects of this relationship in four dense chapters: patronage and mutual cultural influence; political and diplomatic relations; the nature and forms of the sculptor’s extraordinary favor in England and the reasons for his early critical disgrace; and, finally, his connection with the figurative and literary arts. The result is a picture of a nation, Great Britain, that more than any other in Europe was able to extol and understand Canova’s artistic example, elevating the man and his works almost to a cultural phenomenon and contributing significantly, both during his lifetime and immediately after his death, to consolidating his myth as the “Artist of the Century.” The essay is also complemented by a detailed catalog of over sixty works variously linked to British patrons and collectors, and an extensive biographical dictionary of all the British figures who had various connections with the artist throughout his career.