Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A lovely cast leaded bronze Roman bust of a soldier or Mars, the Roman god of war, wearing a decorated cuirass with a phalera and a domed helmet with a pointed visor and high plumed crest. This elaborate helmet was known as the galea and was commonly given a crest like the one, often made of bird feathers or horse hair, which not only served to intimidate, but also to distinguish different ranks within the Roman military and as a key component the traditional iconographic program of Mars. Luxurious locks of curls adorn his chin in the form of a beard and moustache, framing his pursed lips, flat nose, and wide round eyes as he slightly turns his head to the right. As evident by the circular socket on his back, this figure would have been attached to something as a decorative ornament. Imbued in a verdant hued patina evocative of the ancient world, this intricately detailed bust is a stunning example from Imperial Rome! Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W (3.8 cm x 3.8 cm); 3" H (7.6 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: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000
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#158881
Condition
Small yellow collection label on back. Surface wear commensurate with age. Rich green patina. Intact and excellent.