Un Antonio del Passagno, nel Veneto, celebre scultore, coi molti suoi lavori si acquistò fama Europea ed era considerato come il restauratore della scultura, il Fidia moderno. Protettore esimio dell'arte e degli artisti istituì premi per i meritevoli, incoraggiò i giovani studenti, eseguì a sue spese molti e molti busti di antichi uomini illustri che fece collocare nelle sale del Campidoglio. Pio VII nominò il Canova ispettore delle antichità e Belle Arti in ROma e con motu proprio del 14 febbraio 1816 venne dallo stesso Pontefice creato Cavaliere Romano, e quindi decorato del titolo marchionale ed il suo nome venne ascritto nel libro d'oro. Senatus consulto 14 febbraio 1816.. Riguardo a questo cognome abbiamo ritrovato ulteriori informazioni storiche in altri archivi. Purtroppo in lingua originale Inglese. : CANOVA is of Spanish origin, a locational name meaning the dweller in or near the new or recently constructed house. One who came from Casanova in Spain. Local names usually denoted where a man held his land, and indicated where he actually lived. In the 8th century, Spain fell under the control of the Moors, and this influence, which lasted into the 12th century, has also left its mark on Hispanic last names. A few names are based directly on Arabic personal names. The majority of Spanish occupational and nickname last names, however, are based on ordinary Spanish occupational and nickname last names Almost every city, town or village existing in the Middle Ages has served to name one or more families. Where a man lived was his means of identification. When a man left his birthplace or village where he had been known, and went elsewhere, people would likely refer to him by the name of his former residence or birthplace, or by the name of the land which he owned. A noble member of the name was Giacomo Girolamo Casanova (1725-98) the Italian adventurer, whose name has become synonymous with amorous intrigues, born in Venice. In 1741 he was expelled from a seminary for scandalous conduct, and by 1750, had been secretary to a cardinal, an ensign in the Venetian army, an abbe, a gambler and a violinist, working all over Europe. He was imprisoned in Italy in 1755, but made a daring escape in 1756, and for the next twenty years wandered through Europe, indulging in romantic escapades. He was introduced to the best society and everywhere he found it expedient to move on in a hurry. He was the director of state lotteries in Paris, was knighted in the Netherlands, visited Russia, but fled after a duel, worked as a spy for Louis XV. and as a police informer for the Venetian Inquisition. In 1785 he found a haven as a librarian for County von Waldstein in his castle of Dux in Bohemia….