Renaissance · Cleveland Museum of Art · 1964.421
Mars
Giambologna, c. 1584–87
Cleveland Museum of Art · Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund · Public domain
- Artist
- Giambologna
- Date
- c. 1584–87
- 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.)
- Era
- Renaissance
Why it matters
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.