It is the first monograph devoted entirely to the brilliantly expressive clay models that he made in preparation for his idealized and sensual sculptures in marble. Extensive technical research of about 40 of the 60 or so terracotta models that survive was carried out in conjunction with this exhibition. Findings reveal the steps Canova took in making his models, as well as the tool marks or modeling gestures that distinguish his style. The authors, with expertise in art history and conservation, focus on Canova’s terracottas, examining his techniques in modeling and in scaling them up to full-size copies that his assistants could reproduce in marble, as well as his practice of gifting them to friends.