Curt Valentin introduced himself to Marini in 1948 after seeing the artist's work in the first exhibition of Italian art at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. In February, 1950 Valentin gave the artist his first one-man exhibition in America at his Buchholz Gallery. During his stay in New York Marini became acquainted with many American and European artists. "This American sojourn corresponds to a period when his forms became freer. The 'Riders' lost their static character: a dynamism, a new vitality appeared." (H. Read et al., op. cit.,
p. 8). Marini nicknamed this sculpture after Mrs. Bernoudy.