Giambologna, or Jean de Boulogne, was born in Douai (Dowaai), Flanders (now France). In 1550 he travelled to Italy, where he became the most influential sculptor of his time. He made the original model of this bronze statuette for Francesco I de’ Medici., Grand Duke of Tuscany, to be cast in silver.

It was succeeded by countless versions in bronze, including this 17th-century variant by an unknown follower.