Name
Canonica, Pietro

Gender
Male

Birth
March 1, 1869 Moncalieri

Death
June 8, 1959 Rome

Descriptive Note

Pietro Canonica trained as a sculptor at the Accademia Albertina in Turin, and won his first prize at age seventeen, with a statue called Novizia.  Inspired by classical and Renaissance art, Canonica was particularly sought out for his ability to sculpt very realistic bronze and marble statues, which he created for churches, mausoleums, and private collections. He lived and worked mainly in Rome, and had a home and studio in the park of Villa Borghese. This house was donated to him by the Municipality and now houses the Canonica Museum with many of his main works.  In 1899, he participated in the Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte di Venezia.  In 1892-93 he was appointed a member of the commission for the monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II in Rome.

Canonica was a also a music composer (mainly chamber music and musical melodramas) and amateur pianist. In 1938, the Royal House of Savoy commissioned him to create a bust of King Victor Emmanuel III, now held at the Fondazione Cariplo. After World War II, Canonica was nominated senator for life for his artistic achievements.

For the Exposition of Turin 1911 he created a commemorative medal with a man on a winged horse.

men on a winged horse

Roles
Artists (Visual Artists), Sculptors

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