Date

1904-1909

Object Type

Photograph

Subject

Display of sculptures by students of the Academy of Fine Arts Carrara.

Holding institution

Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara

About The Work

The photograph documents academic life in Carrara in the early twentieth century, capturing both the atmosphere of the studio and the results of students’ sculptural exercises. The austere and unadorned environment is organised to resemble a small-scale exhibition: works are arranged on easels and pedestals draped with cloth, presented in a systematic layout that emphasises their frontal view. In the foreground, on the right, stands a copy of Michelangelo’s David, an essential model in academic training that reflects the study of Renaissance statuary and the ideals of anatomical perfection. Centrally positioned is a model after the plaster bust of Pope Clement XIII by Antonio Canova, held at the Academy, created by the student Carlo De Veroli (1890–1938), nephew of the sculptor Arturo Dazzi, who graduated in 1909. Along the walls and on rear supports are reliefs and full-length figures of classical derivation, likely reproductions or reinterpretations of ancient models. The collection demonstrates not only the technical proficiency attained by the students but also the pedagogical approach of the Academy, which emphasised the imitation of masterpieces and mastery of traditional sculptural language, within a context still firmly rooted in the figurative culture of the nineteenth century.

Title

Display of sculptures by students of the Academy of Fine Arts Carrara.

Subject

Display of sculptures by students of the Academy of Fine Arts Carrara.

Creator

Guglielmo Della Nave

Date

1904-1909

Object Type

Photograph

Technique / Support

Albumen print

Original Function

Documentation / teaching tool

Dimensions

mm 245x348

Holding institution

Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara

Unique identifier

ICCD_MIDF_1420132991671