Bronze horse and rider sculpture by Splieth

This bronze sculpture by the German artist Heinrich Splieth is known as the ‘Olympic Rider’ or ‘The Winner’. The sculpture portrays a standing horse mounted without saddle by a nude male rider. The male rider sits triumphantly upright, his entire demeanour being distinctly ideal and classical in feeling. In his right hand he holds a laurel wreath, further emphasising the classicism of the piece as well as signifying that the rider is victorious—and is a symbol for victory itself. The entire piece is beautifully patinated. The base upon which the horse stands is signed ‘Splieth’.