Luca Nannipieri's new novel on Canova and Napoleon's plundering comes out today

Luca Nannipieri ’s new book entitled Immortal Candor, published by Rizzoli, was released in bookstores today.

Two great figures of history are the cornerstones of this novel: Napoleon Bonaparte and Antonio Canova. The book alternates the story of the sculptor’s private affairs with the great events of history, which see Napoleon conquering Europe and building the Louvre in Paris as a total art museum through his raids and looting of occupied lands. In the background are wars, guillotines, hangings, exiled pontiffs, raided churches, and two brave women who are imprisoned for fighting for freedom.

In addition to presenting some of Canova’s masterpieces, Nannipieri focuses on the efforts of the artist who, after being commissioned by the pope, tried to bring back to Italy the great art stolen by Napoleon. Also presented for the first time in the appendix will be a list of the works that Canova managed to bring back to our country and the works that remained in the Louvre or elsewhere in France.

Following is the synopsis.

1796. Napoleon conquers Milan and begins plundering churches, abbeys, and historic palaces, stealing some of the most important works in the world-Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian... Never in centuries had there been such an extensive looting of masterpieces. Antonio Canova was already known and admired for his ethereal sculptures made in the purity of marble. In those years, defying Bonaparte seems impossible, but Canova feels he has no choice: he will bring the stolen masterpieces back to Italy, a mission that will lead him to risk his own life and, later, after the collapse of the vast empire, to become the first monument man ever. While, in the background, Great History plays out, with a Europe gripped in Napoleon’s grip, but in which the spark of discontent already kindles the first fires of insurrection, a tormented sentiment highlights the man Canova who, through art, redeems himself by sculpting masterpieces of uncorrupted love such as Cupid and Psyche, but in whose heart lurks violent passions, jealousy and even thoughts of murder. In this novel, a compelling human as well as historical fresco, the secrets of one of the greatest artists of all time are revealed: the black shadows of the whitest marble.

Luca Nannipieri (Pisa, 1979) is one of Italy ’s best-known art critics, whose volumes have been translated and published abroad. He founded and directs Casa Nannipieri Arte, an art house that produces publications and exhibitions of contemporary art in Italy and abroad; he curates exhibitions and conferences. He is a frequent guest on television programs on national networks, from Rai to Mediaset, presenting columns such as SOS Heritage Art. He has collaborated with various daily and weekly newspapers. His critical activity over the years has focused on reflecting on the relationship between people, communities and art-historical heritage. Immortal Candor is his second novel: in fact, he published in 2021 The Fate of a Love. Tiziano Vecellio and Cecilia, published by Skira.

Luca Nannipieri, Immortal Candor (Rizzoli, pp. 240) 16 €

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Luca Nannipieri's new novel on Canova and Napoleon's plundering comes out today

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