Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A fabulous mold-formed, cast-bronze protome of a youthful Mars (Greek Ares), the god of war. Mars' head is turned slightly to the right and displays gentle facial features like almond-shaped eyes, a slender nose, full lips with a delineated philtrum, and a strong jawline, all framed within the curly locks that comprise his coiffure. He wears his signature plumed helmet with a flared lower lip, a tapered top, and a high-arching crest with feathers along the exterior curve and a trio of petaloid projections on the uppermost tip. Mars wears a detailed sash of incised leaves in front of his powerful chest, and fabulous green and brown patina envelops the entire composition. Size: 1.625" W x 3.25" H (4.1 cm x 8.3 cm); 4" H (10.2 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 twelve Olympians in Greek mythos. His sister Minerva (Greek Athena) was the goddess of war. Whereas Mars/Ares traditionally represents the fiery, violent aspects of combat, Minerva typically represents intellectual military strategy. Second only in importance to Jupiter, Mars was highly regarded as the chief military god.
Provenance: ex-Dere Family Collection, NY acquired in 1980's-2000's
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#147928
Condition
Minor abrasions to chest, head, and helmet, with minor softening to some finer details, and light encrustations within underside cavity, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits as well as fabulous green and brown patina throughout.