Artwork Page for Mars

Details / Information for Mars

Mars

c. 1584–87

Giambologna

(Flemish, active Italy, 1529–1608)
Culture
Italy, 16th century
Medium
bronze
Measurements
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.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1964.421
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
117A Italian Renaissance
Print
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Did You Know?

The active, twisting pose indicates that the statue was designed to be viewed in the round.

Description

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.
A dark brown, bronze sculpture depicts a muscular, nude man standing on a black base. His head turns sharply to the right, showing a thick beard and curly hair. He balances on his right leg while his left leg extends back. His left arm reaches across his torso as his right arm hangs low. The reflective metal highlights his defined chest and limbs, with his genitalia and toes finely detailed.

Mars

c. 1584–87

Giambologna

(Flemish, active Italy, 1529–1608)
Italy, 16th century

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