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Mars
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Although he is lacking the helmet and armor common to Mars in Roman iconography, this figure is identified as the ancient god of war. Mars pauses mid-stride, swinging his sword arm back to strike an enemy in his gaze; this dynamic composition is typical of Giambologna’s models. Collectors prized small bronzes such as this and often kept them in special rooms along with antiquities, coins, shells, and other curiosities. Easy to hold and arrange due to their small size, they were appreciated through touch as well as sight.
| Artist / Maker | Giambologna |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1584–87 |
| Culture / Origin | Italy |
| Medium | bronze |
| Dimensions | Overall: 39 x 18.4 cm (15 3/8 x 7 1/4 in.); with base: 41.6 x 18.5 x 21.4 cm (16 3/8 x 7 5/16 x 8 7/16 in.) |
| Department | European Painting and Sculpture |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Giambologna (1529-1608) was a Flemish sculptor based in Italy. His early training was in Antwerp under the architect-sculptor Jacques du Broeucq. In the 1550s, he studied sculptures of classical antiquity in Rome. He reached the height of his career while working as a court sculptor for the Medici Dukes in Florence, where he settled in 1553. celebrated for his Mannerist marble and bronze statuary, Giambologna was influenced by Michelangelo's works but developed his own style, characterized by a fine sense… Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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