She-bear 1500 - 1515

"She-bear", a small bronze sculpture by Andrea Briosco, also known as Riccio, dates back to the early 16th century. This captivating work, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a seated she-bear with a collar and chain, likely representing a chained animal used in baiting or hunting. Riccio, a renowned Italian sculptor, masterfully captured the animal's powerful presence, conveying its fierce nature even in its confined pose. The intricate details of the fur and the realistic depiction of the bear's features make this sculpture a prime example of Riccio's skill in bronze casting. The work's small size suggests it may have been intended for a private collection or a small domestic setting.