The Amazons at the Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

Armoured horseman and dying Amazon, Farnese Collection

Sculpture – Marble (Rider height: 153 cm, Rider height: 134 cm) 1st–2nd century

These two equestrian statues depict the war against the Amazons, that legendary people of female horsemen mentioned in ancient texts, which state that they cut off one breast so that they could shoot their bows more effectively during battle.

Dying Amazon The female rider shown here is an exception to this custom.

The two horses stand side by side; the first is ridden by a horseman wearing the helmet and armour of a Roman soldier; he raises his sword to finish off the wounded and defenceless Amazon, who is dying and slumps down before falling from her mount.

She has lost her bow, all she has left is a small round shield which she no longer has the strength to raise against her enemy’s sword.

This ensemble depicts the tragic outcome of an unequal and merciless duel in a highly realistic manner, through the dynamism and determination of the armoured horseman contrasting with the resignation of the female body of the Amazon, clad in a simple dress leaving her chest exposed.

Dying Amazon

Amazon on horseback, Herculaneum

Sculpture – Bronze – 1–50 AD

Amazon on horseback This bronze sculpture of a female warrior poised to throw her javelin in front of her is particularly dynamic.

The warrior’s posture as she twists her torso, raising her arm to aim at her enemy, brings the scene to life.

Her horse is in full gallop, as shown by the folds of the Amazon’s tunic billowing behind her.

We see her reining in her horse just as she is about to throw her javelin by pulling on the reins with her left hand.

Amazon on horseback

Head of an Amazon of the Mattei type attributed to Phidias, Villa dei Papiri, square peristyle, Herculaneum

Sculpture – Bronze (Height 26 cm) 1–50 AD

This head of an Amazon of the Mattei type is attributed to the famous sculptor Phidias, of whom it is thought to be a copy.

It was found in the square peristyle of the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum.

The features of the Amazon are beautiful and well-defined, and her short warrior’s hair is wavy and held in a small bun at the back of her head.

Head of an Amazon in the Mattei style, attributed to Phidias, Villa dei Papiri, square peristyle, Herculaneum, Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

Amazon's Head