CA0393 Grand Tour Italian patinated bronze of the Ludovisi Mars

Stunning, rare, 19th century Grand Tour Italian patinated bronze of the Ludovisi Mars a 2nd century Roman marble sculpture after a late 4th-century BC Greek original of Ares the Greek god of war seated on a trophy of arms with a young Eros playing at his feet. Discovered in 1622 near the Palazzo Santa Croce, the sculpture was thought originally been part of a temple dedicated to Mars and became part of the collection of Cardinal Ludovisi (1595-1632). One of the highlights of the Grand Tour it is now on permanent display in the Museo Nazionale Romano in Rome. The 18th century connoisseur Johann Joachim Winckelmann, described the statue as 'the most beautiful Mars that had been preserved from Antiquity'. Finely cast with a beautiful deep patination from many untouched years, matt verdigris, almost, archaeological finish. Presented on a green Levanto marble base. Italy, probably Rome, circa 1850.

H 40cm x W 28cm x D 18cm