Gipsoteca

A gipsoteca is a gallery or museum that houses plaster casts and plaster models of sculptures, architectural details, and related studies. The term comes from the Italian gesso, meaning plaster, and is used particularly in Italy and Spanish-speaking regions to denote a dedicated collection of plaster replicas. A gipsoteca may be an independent institution, but it is commonly part of an art academy, university, or larger museum complex.

Historically, plaster casts played a central role in art education from the 18th century onward. They provided affordable, durable reproductions of classical and contemporary sculptures for study and copying, enabling students to learn anatomy, form, and perspective without handling fragile original works. Over time, many academies established permanent gipsotecas to disseminate artistic knowledge, preserve casts, and facilitate research. In the modern era, some gipsotecas emphasize public access, while others remain primarily educational resources for students and scholars.

Contents and organization typically include large numbers of plaster copies of famous statues, reliefs, and architectural ornaments, along with studies, maquettes, and occasionally tools or documentation related to their creation. While the emphasis is on replicas, some gipsotecas additionally hold original plaster works or works created specifically for study. They can focus on particular artists, periods, or schools, or serve as comprehensive repositories of plaster sculpture.

Notable examples include the Gipsoteca Canoviana in Possagno, Italy, which preserves Antonio Canova’s plaster models and studies. Gipsotecas can be found in many art schools and regional museums, reflecting their historical and ongoing educational function.