Published Roman Bronze Mars / Roman Ruler, Ex Sotheby's

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A striking statuette of Mars, the Roman god of war, or possibly a ruler, standing nude for all but a drape over his left (proper) shoulder and a plumed helmet. Posed in contrapposto, the youthful figure presents clean shaven and fit with a carved abdomen, strong pectorals, and muscular legs as he lifts up his right arm and bends it at the elbow, perhaps an oratorial gesture, or with his open palm intended to signal someone to come forward. His other arm falls to his side as it points outwards, wrapped in his chlamys and holding a flat long object, perhaps his spear. Cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) method, the figure's smooth surface is adorned with a lustrous dark copper hue and imbued in a lovely seafoam green patina, evocative of ancient Rome. This figure would have been a votive figure made to be kept in a wealthy home and prayed to, deposited in a temple as an offering, or kept by priests for ritual purposes with other special pieces. A handsome example from Imperial Rome! Size: 1.4375" L x 1.375" W (3.7 cm x 3.5 cm); 4.375" H (11.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Mars (Greek Ares) was the god of war - son to Jupiter and Juno (Greek Zeus and Hera) and one of the Twelve Olympians. His sister Minerva (Greek Athena) was the goddess of war. Whereas Mars/Ares traditionally represents the fiery, violent aspects of combat, his sister Minerva/Athena usually represents intellectual military strategy. Second in importance only to Jupiter (Greek Zeus), Mars was highly regarded as the chief military god of the Roman army.

Published in J. Eisenberg, "Gods and Mortals", 1989, no. 93. Loaned to Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University and Fitchburg Art Museum from 1990 to 2016.

Provenance: ex-A.L. collection, Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired from Royal Athena Galleries September 1989; ex-Sotheby's London, December 1986

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#157349
Condition Report: Expected surface wear with abrasions and softening of details. Intact and excellent with a gorgeous green patina.