Canova (After), Antonio. (Italian, 1757-1822). THE YOUNG OCTAVIAN. Marble, 19th Century. Likely from Canova's studio, after the original of 1800 in the Vatican Museum. c. 21 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches. Although in the late 19th Century the Vatican bust was thought to date to ancient times, scholars came to believe that stylistically it owes its origin to the Neo-Classical movement, and that it was executed by Canova or one of his pupils. The popularity of the Vatican bust caused 19th Century sculptors such as Horatio Greenough, Harriet Hosmer, Edmonia Lewis and Augustus St. Gaudens to make copies of it, and it is likely that copies were also made in Canova's studio for sale to collectors. This example is unsigned and unmarked, and is in excellent condition.
