Equestrian statue of the Emperor Joseph II
by ZAUNER, Franz Anton, Bronze
Zauner’s masterpiece is his equestrian statue of the Emperor Joseph II. Based on the classical equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome, it shows the popular emperor in the classicising dress of a Roman general with breastplate, sandals and cloak.The emperor holds out his right arm as an imperial gesture, without any other attribute. To depict the pacing of the horse as naturally as possible, Zauner provides the rear left hoof with a small, almost imperceptible support. Inserted into long faces of the ample rectangular plinth are massive bronze reliefs.