catalog text
GRAND TOUR
Italian, 19th Century
Ludovisi Mars, After the Antique
Sand-cast patinated bronze | Unsigned, cast circa mid-19th century
Item # 405YIJ17P
A model of the Ludovisi Mars cast after the statue of Roman antiquity, it depicts the powerful god of war with the god Eros sits at his feet. The remnants of a broken sword are held in his hand, the original having the hilt and scabbard restored, while Mars rests on a rocky outcropping with his shield staged beside him. The original from the Ludovisi collection is executed in marble and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Rome in the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. That monumental example dates from the 4th century B.C. and is believed to have had Eros added during restoration by Bernini. Many smaller reductions were cast for wealthy art collectors, including the example of identical dimensions held in the permanent collection of the Frick, cast by Luigi Valadier (1726–1785). An example of the same dimension as our model was offered at Sotheby's, London, 2 February 2021, lot 95 [12 1/2" H] where it achieved 6,048 GBP (approximately $ 8200 USD at a conversion rate on the date of sale of 1.37).
The present model is exquisitely chiseled with fine definition in the nails, wings, hair and all other detailed elements. It is finished in a chemical patination that was then overlaid with various varnishes, this having oxidized and discolored over time to create the wonderful nuanced surface we see today. It was cast during the mid-19th century when it was common and indeed expected for the aristocratic class, politicians and the ruling class as well as those with taste to own small reductions of the best-known examples of Greek and Roman antiquity, usually examples they saw during their own Grand Tour of the masterpieces of art and architecture.
Measurements: 12 3/8" H x 6" D x 8 3/4" W
Condition Report:
Extensive wear and discoloration to the original patina. Some of the underlying layers of varnish have whitened and discolored. Rubbing to elements. Cleaned and sealed in conservator's grade wax, a fine presentation.