Nude Female Figure (Shouting Woman)

Although this figure was once attributed to Riccio, certain of its technical features would be unique in his work and are more characteristic of bronzes from the circle of the Mantuan sculptor Antico. The bronze seems to have been designed as a pseudo-antique, with traces of a green patination that emulates natural corrosion and silver inlaid eyes and nipples such as can be found in Hellenistic bronzes or Mantuan imitations of them. The pose echoes the classical gestures of a Venus Pudica. No known sculpture by Riccio attempts such a deceptively antique guise. The startled, angry face of the woman suggests familiarity with Mantuan art, for she strongly resembles the often impassioned figures painted by Andrea Mantegna.

The subject of the bronze has sometimes been identified as Susanna surprised at her bath by the elders, but a biblical heroine seems an unlikely source for such a classicizing bronze. Diana surprised by Actaeon at her bath would be more appropriate to both the form and character of the figure. Her nudity, pose, and expression befit an outraged goddess and infuse this antiquarian bronze with energizing naturalism. The modeling and finish are exceptionally refined, as can be seen in the delicately detailed hair, fingers, and feet.

Source: Art in The Frick Collection: Paintings, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1996.