Shaping Your Own Museum

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating rivalry between Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen through the eyes of William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire. Exploring his collection at Chatsworth House, we discover how the Duke’s personal taste and diaries reveal his preference for Canova’s meticulous craftsmanship over Thorvaldsen’s more collaborative approach. We discuss how these two titans of neoclassical sculpture shaped the art world and how Cavendish’s curation tells a deeper story about the intersection of artistic process, collaboration, and personal connection. Reflections on Yarrington's Canova and Thorvaldsen at Chatsworth.