Nude Mounted Amazon Attacked by a Panther by Karl Kiss Bronze Sculpture Statue

The Mounted Amazon Attacked by a Panther, a creation of the German sculptor Auguste Kiss, captures a dramatic moment of conflict and emotion. Installed in 1837 at the steps of the newly constructed National Museum in Berlin, the sculpture initially stood alone until Albert Wolff completed a companion piece, The Lion Fighter. However, over time, the plaster cast of the Amazon deteriorated, preventing its shipment to the United States when acquired by the Fairmount Park Art Association in 1889. With assistance from the German government, a new plaster cast was created from the original bronze and exhibited in Memorial Hall until 1909. Despite initial plans to present the sculpture as a gift to Harvard's Germanic Museum, the decision to focus solely on commissioning American art prompted the Art Association to change course. Instead, they arranged for another copy of the Amazon to be cast, ensuring its placement across from The Lion Fighter once construction began on the new building for the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This story of preservation and dedication to art highlights the enduring significance of Kiss's masterpiece, which continues to captivate viewers with its portrayal of tension and action. Through collaboration and determination, the Mounted Amazon Attacked by a Panther remains a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural exchange.