This armored warrior on horseback holding a shield with Medusa's head probably represents a figure from myth or ancient history, perhaps the Roman hero Marcus Curtius. The horse and rider's out-flung limbs create intersecting diagonal axes, conveying a sense of explosive movement. To balance the composition, the rider sits far back on the horse. This position also assures the stability of the bronze, the weight of which rests solely on the horse's two rear legs. Although the rider's lithe, attenuated body expresses a Mannerist conception of anatomical proportions, the composition's vigorous thrusting is more typical of the Baroque. Artisans cast the piece in several sections using the lost-wax method, then joined the separate pieces with plugs. The surface shows little evidence of much chasing after casting. (http://www.getty.edu)