Paolina Borghese Bonaparte, Le Tre Grazie, Amore e Psiche... and the list of wonderful artworks by Italian sculptor Antonio Canova continues. Those who have had the chance to see them in person have gazed at his statues, wondering how marble could look so real. So expressive, so alive.
Not everyone knows that one of the most influential neoclassic artists was actually from Possagno, a small town in Veneto which is a stone's throw away from Chrysos' HQ and production facilities.
Founded in 1987, Chrysos is a family business turned into an international brand that sells its gold and silver jewelry worldwide. Since day one, the company has made pieces of jewels that reflect the Italian style and quality, while the bond with its local community has remained very strong.
In order to honour their shared heritage, a couple of years ago the Bernardi brothers (founders Francesco and Carlo) decided to invest in the restoration of Antonio Canova's birthplace. This building, which is now open to the public, is managed by the Canova Foundation along with the Museum Gypsotheque next door.
The Bernardis, who have sponsored such an important renovation out of patronage, look at Canova as a virtuous example of modern entrepreneurship, where tradition met innovation and drew inspiration from the territory. In a similar way Chrysos has valued the local goldsmithing know-how and enhanced it with technological innovation. The result being a beautifully unique product which the company manufacture in-house and ships in all five continents.