Roman Imperial Chariot Fitting Depicting Mars / Ares

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Cast by the cire perdue (lost wax) process, a copper chariot fitting depicting a bust of Mars (Ares), god of warfare as well as an agricultural guardian, donning a characteristically plumed neo-Attic helmet upon his clean-shaven handsome face and a cuirass adorned by a gorgoneion. His head is angled toward the left, and his nicely delineated visage peers to the distance. A pair of decorative S-shaped ornaments join each end of the lower cuirass to the base, in addition to the central fluted column. Size: 7.5" H (19 cm); 8.5" H (21.6 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, Mars was highly regarded as the chief military god of the Roman army.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-William Froelich collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 1970s

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#139396
Condition Report: Small loss to tip of plume on helmet. Loss to one corner of base. Expected wear to peripheries and surface wear commensurate with age.