Lot: 720

Franz von Stuck (1863 Tettenweis - 1928 Děčín)
Sculpture 'Riding Amazon', 1897/98 (cast 1903)

Bronze, black patina. H. 36.0 cm (65.0 cm with base). Inscribed on the front center of the base: FRANZ STVCK (impressed), foundry mark on the back of the upper profile edge: GUSS C. LEYRER MÜNCHEN.

The figure of the Amazon, symbol of a warrior woman ideal from ancient mythology, occupies a prominent position in Stuck's oeuvre. We encounter her for the first time in 1897, during a phase in which the artist was intensively engaged in designing his own villa. The naked body of the Amazon, riding without a saddle, appears tense to the limit and at the same time characterized by flowing agility. The youthful rider, her upper body leaning back strongly, is focused on an invisible opponent and finds herself in a tension between action and counteraction, which is reinforced by a network of lines, diagonals, and formal correspondences. The clear, strict outline is complemented by the smooth, compact modeling of the body and the concentrated expressiveness of the gestures. In his formal elaboration, Stuck strives for a balanced equilibrium and presents the viewer with a preferred view in which the ornamental rhythm of rider and horse unfolds particularly effectively. With this sculpture, he formulates a Munich-style, neoclassical expression of Art Nouveau. The life-size version, created later based on this model on behalf of the Cologne Art Association—also his first monumental sculpture—was erected in 1913. Today, three such large sculptures of the Amazon still exist, and at least 20 examples of the small sculpture are documented.

Spear restored at the hand, casting flaw on the base next to the right front hoof. Provenance: Private collection, South Germany.

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Hammer Price: 44,000 €