Paolina Borghese as Venus Victrix

Not intended for public view was the full-length figure of Paolina Borghese, one of Canova’s most masterly sculptures. Widowed very young, Napoleon’s sister Paolina had, in the wake of her brother’s meteoric career, made one of the noblest catches it was possible to make at the time. Intelligent and beautiful, she had also kept her carefree and unprejudiced ways even as a princess. Her unconventional manner and erotic appeal had gained her public attention. She now expected from Canova a portrait that showed her, the princess and sister of Napoleon, physically naked.

To lessen the tricky nature of the commission, Canova proposed to show her as Diana, whom he could have clothed in a robe. However, she insisted on appearing as Venus, because this was a goddess who had to appear nude. Not intended for public view was the full-length figure of Paolina Borghese, one of Canova’s most masterly sculptures. Widowed very young, Napoleon’s sister Paolina had, in the wake of her brother’s meteoric career, made one of the noblest catches it was possible to make at the time. Intelligent and beautiful, she had also kept her carefree and unprejudiced ways even as a princess. Her unconventional manner and erotic appeal had gained her public attention. She now expected from Canova a portrait that showed her, the princess and sister of Napoleon, physically naked.