Mars thumbnail 1
Mars thumbnail 2
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images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sculpture, Room 111, The Gilbert Bayes Gallery

Mars

Statuette
ca. 1587 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This statuette is cast of a model made by Giambologna in ca. 1587, but is probably cast later.
Born in Flanders Giovanni Bologna (1524-1608), or short Giambologna went to Rome to study antique sculpture from about 1550 to 1553. He then travelled through Florence where he was persuaded to stay. He became sculptor to the Medici family in 1561 and thus became one of the most influential sculptors of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He drew attention to many artists from Northern Europe and disseminated his style mainly through small bronzes. He established an efficient and large workshop. Copies and variations of his models were made long after his death in 1608.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMars (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze, lost-wax cast
Brief description
Statuette, bronze, Mars, after a model by Giambologna from ca. 1587, Italian (Florence), possibly cast later
Physical description
Mars is shown naked, bearded and facing left, his weight forward on the right leg and with a dagger.
Dimensions
  • Height: 40.7cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Object history
Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1956.
Production
After a model by Giambologna
Subjects depicted
Summary
This statuette is cast of a model made by Giambologna in ca. 1587, but is probably cast later.
Born in Flanders Giovanni Bologna (1524-1608), or short Giambologna went to Rome to study antique sculpture from about 1550 to 1553. He then travelled through Florence where he was persuaded to stay. He became sculptor to the Medici family in 1561 and thus became one of the most influential sculptors of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He drew attention to many artists from Northern Europe and disseminated his style mainly through small bronzes. He established an efficient and large workshop. Copies and variations of his models were made long after his death in 1608.
Collection
Accession number
A.99-1956

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Record createdOctober 30, 2002
Record URL
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