Polished Patina on Cast Bronze
22.5 x 12 in
57 x 30 cm
US $ 14,800
Alchemic Canopus draws inspiration from ancient funerary and ritualistic practices, while also channeling alchemical symbolism. The dark, patinated bronze exterior is adorned with intricate geometric golden lines, evoking the form of a canopic jar—historically used to safeguard the remains of the deceased. Though the title Canopus may initially evoke Egyptian associations, Canevari’s work primarily engages with Etruscan traditions, which emphasized the preservation of the soul and spiritual transformation, aligning with the alchemical notion of transmutation.
...more
Alchemic Canopus draws inspiration from ancient funerary and ritualistic practices, while also channeling alchemical symbolism. The dark, patinated bronze exterior is adorned with intricate geometric golden lines, evoking the form of a canopic jar—historically used to safeguard the remains of the deceased. Though the title Canopus may initially evoke Egyptian associations, Canevari’s work primarily engages with Etruscan traditions, which emphasized the preservation of the soul and spiritual transformation, aligning with the alchemical notion of transmutation.
When opened, the sculpture reveals a suspended triangle and golden bird, suggesting themes of transcendence, flight, and spiritual elevation. This interplay between internal and external spaces evokes notions of containment and revelation, mirroring both ancient beliefs in preserving vital life forces and the transformative processes central to alchemical philosophy. The symbolism of the bird, in particular, may suggest freedom of the soul or the aspiration to achieve a higher state of being, transcending physical form.
Canevari’s interpretation of ancient forms through a modernist lens, with abstract and geometric elements, distinguishes his work from literal historical replicas. The influence of artists such as Constantin Brâncuși is evident in the essential, streamlined aesthetic, while Canevari’s integration of intricate symbols and Mediterranean legacies creates a compelling dialogue between past and present. This unique fusion imbues Alchemic Canopus with both timeless significance and a contemporary resonance.