Dodenmasker van Antonio Canova before 1913

This is Pierre Peeters's "Death Mask of Antonio Canova", a poignant print rendering of the famed neoclassical sculptor's face after death. During the 19th century, death masks were a common practice, particularly for notable figures. They served as mementos, historical records, and even models for posthumous portraits. Canova, celebrated for his idealized sculptures of gods and heroes, receives a different treatment here. The print captures the stark reality of mortality, inviting contemplation on the contrast between earthly fame and the inevitability of death. Peeters's work encourages us to consider the gaze of the artist and how they chose to represent Canova's legacy. Here, the idealized beauty Canova created is stripped away, leaving only the bare bones of existence. What does it mean to remember someone in this way? What does it mean to see death so plainly?