Amazone. 1897.
Bronze, patinated in black and brown.
Inscribed "Franz von Stuck" at top of base. With foundry mark "Guss C. Leyer München" in left of base's upper edge. 36 x 48 x 14 cm (14,1 x 18,8 x 5,5 in). Measurements of base: 28 x 34 x 17,3 cm (11 x 13,4 x 6,8 in).
Posthumous cast.

The ”Reitende Amazone“ (Riding Amazon) presumably is the most famous plastic work by Franz von Stuck, earning the artist great fame as a sculptor. Unlike many of his other depictions of females, for which he chose mostly sensual and tender dancers or sinful lascivious seductresses, he resorted to the Amazons from Greek mythology in 1897. In doing so Stuck less emphasized the athletic expression of the spear-welding warrior. Despite all nudity, she emanates a natural sense of strength, pugnacity and pride. For the decoration of the Amazon's helm Stuck used motifs from an ancient Athena head, which was in his own vast collection of ancient casts. A monumental execution of the Amazon has been in front of the portico of the Villa Stuck, the residence and studio in Munich the artist had designed himself, since 1936. [CB].