The Triumph of a Hero 

Andrea Briosco, called Riccio, created this bronze relief plaque, "The Triumph of a Hero," in the late 15th or early 16th century during the Italian Renaissance. During this period, a renewed interest in classical antiquity flourished, influencing art and culture across Europe. As you observe the figures, consider the prevalent Renaissance fascination with the male nude. Here, the male body is idealized and celebrated as a symbol of strength and beauty. Yet, in the company of female figures, particularly the winged woman, one can't help but note how the image is coded with the male gaze. The submissive posture of the kneeling figure draws a stark contrast, revealing underlying tensions of power and hierarchy. Riccio's work is a testament to his era’s complex negotiation between classical ideals and social dynamics, as well as the gendered division of power that defined its cultural landscape.