'In this compelling study, Livio Pestilli situates Canova's work in the context of artistic production and the political sphere of the early nineteenth century by weaving together contemporary criticism, unpublished or little-known primary sources, and comparisons between Canova and his great predecessors in sculpture. Pestilli's thought-provoking comparison between Canova and Bernini challenges the traditional binary between "Neoclassicism" and "Baroque" by showcasing the sculptors' common practices. His illuminating and clear descriptions of sculptural technique, particularly in the chapter on cantilevering, highlights the virtuosity of Canova's work in language that is accessible and compelling to both experts and a general audience. The book is an important contribution to the study of European sculpture - eminently readable and instructive.' Christina Ferando, Dean of Jonathan Edwards College and Lecturer of History of Art, Jonathan Edwards College, Yale University.