This patinated bronze sculpture by the German artist Splieth symbolises the classical idea of victory, underscored by the laurel wreath the ideal nude figure holds.
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’.