DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4376#0238
220 DESCRIPTION OP THE SCULPTURES
torso has received, it may be considered one of the
finest examples of ancient sculpture which has
come down to us. The body of the horse is a
masterpiece of modelling; the rearing movement
affects the whole frame, and the solid and un-
wieldy mass of marble seems to bend and spring
before our eyes, as if all the latent energy of the
animal were suddenly called forth, and concen-
trated in one forward movement. Equal skill is
shown in the representation of the rider. Nothing
can be more perfect than his seat. The right leg
and thigh seem to grow to the horse's side; the
manner in which the waist yields to the movement of
the rearing horse, is admirably expressed by the com-
position of the drapery; the position of the bridle-
hand is carefully studied; the elbow is fixed, the
wrist flexible, the thumb firmly bent over the reins.
In the treatment of the surface, this torso forms
an interesting contrast to the horses from the
quadriga, being highly wrought, as if 'meant for
close inspection. It is, however, nowhere polished,
but has been finished with delicate hatched lines.
It is curious that, while the back of the left hand
is most elaborately wrought, the veins being shown
on the surface, the thumb, which is seen from ano-
ther point of view, is merely sketched out in a.
rough but masterly manner. The upper part of
the figure has been united at the waist to the lower
part by a joint.
Prom the appearance of the left side of this torso,
I should infer that it had been exposed to much
wanton mutilation since the time of the Knights.
torso has received, it may be considered one of the
finest examples of ancient sculpture which has
come down to us. The body of the horse is a
masterpiece of modelling; the rearing movement
affects the whole frame, and the solid and un-
wieldy mass of marble seems to bend and spring
before our eyes, as if all the latent energy of the
animal were suddenly called forth, and concen-
trated in one forward movement. Equal skill is
shown in the representation of the rider. Nothing
can be more perfect than his seat. The right leg
and thigh seem to grow to the horse's side; the
manner in which the waist yields to the movement of
the rearing horse, is admirably expressed by the com-
position of the drapery; the position of the bridle-
hand is carefully studied; the elbow is fixed, the
wrist flexible, the thumb firmly bent over the reins.
In the treatment of the surface, this torso forms
an interesting contrast to the horses from the
quadriga, being highly wrought, as if 'meant for
close inspection. It is, however, nowhere polished,
but has been finished with delicate hatched lines.
It is curious that, while the back of the left hand
is most elaborately wrought, the veins being shown
on the surface, the thumb, which is seen from ano-
ther point of view, is merely sketched out in a.
rough but masterly manner. The upper part of
the figure has been united at the waist to the lower
part by a joint.
Prom the appearance of the left side of this torso,
I should infer that it had been exposed to much
wanton mutilation since the time of the Knights.