Jun 10, 2008
Jun 10, 2008
Jun 10, 2008
Jun 10, 2008
Jun 11, 2008

Mars

Mars

c. 1584–87

Giambologna

(Flemish, active Italy, 1529–1608)

Bronze

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.)

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1964.421

Description

Lacking the helmet and armor common to Mars in Roman iconography, this sculpture has also been described as a gladiator. The active, twisting pose of his body is typical of Giambologna’s models, and indicates that the artist intended the statue to be viewed in the round. Collectors prized small bronzes 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 often appreciated through touch as well as sight.

See also
Collection: 
Sculpture
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture
Medium: 
Bronze

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.