Dodenmasker van Antonio Canova before 1913

Pierre Peeters’ “Dodenmasker van Antonio Canova” is an etching that depicts the death mask of the famed neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova in profile. The artwork is a powerful example of the artist’s skill in capturing the delicate lines and textures of the human form, even in death. Created before 1913, the etching showcases the artist's interest in anatomical detail. The artwork's haunting image of a skull juxtaposed with the subtle contours of the face invites viewers to contemplate the fleeting nature of life. The artist's detailed, cross-hatched lines, typical of the etching technique, further enhance the anatomical precision and create an atmosphere of morbid curiosity.