Sculptuur van August Kiß, voorstellend een Amazone te paard, tentoongesteld op de Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations van 1851 in Londen 1851

This photograph by C.M. Ferrier and F. von Martens captures August Kiß’s sculpture of an Amazon on horseback, as displayed at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851. The Great Exhibition was the first in a series of World's Fairs devoted to celebrating the achievements of industrializing nations. Kiss's sculpture, depicting a female warrior on horseback, embodies a particular vision of power and civilization that was popular at the time. The Amazon, a figure from Greek mythology, symbolized strength and independence, but here she is also presented as a symbol of Western dominance over the natural world. Consider the political context: the British Empire was at its height. By showcasing art alongside industrial innovation, the Exhibition implied that artistic and technological advancements were signs of social progress. Kiss’s sculpture contributed to that narrative, suggesting a connection between military prowess, classical ideals, and modern industry. To understand the sculpture's full significance, one might consult exhibition catalogs, newspaper accounts, and critical reviews. These kinds of sources help us understand the complex interplay between art, power, and social values in the Victorian era.