AFTER GIAMBOLOGNA (ITALIAN, 1529-1608): A BRONZE FIGURE OF MARS, PROBABLY 19TH CENTURY, the striding, nude figure holding a sword in his right hand, dark brown patination with some later reddish high points, later mounted on a black marble, rectangular plinth, the bronze 38cm high, 42cm high including base, In his depiction of Mars, Giambologna has captured a moment in time; where Mars having sighted the enemy, halts in mid stride and readies his sword for attack. The sculptor has used this theme to explore the physique of the male nude, the focus is on his strong and muscular body and his serious gaze, the usual attributes such as his helmet or spear are unnecessary as his physical and mental strength are depicted through the body and pose alone. The model is known as the Dresden Mars, after a cast made by Giambologna for the Elector of Saxony and Erzmarschall of the Holy Roman Empire Christian I, which was first documented in 1587 in the first inventory of the Dresden Kunstkammer. For a 16th century cast of Mars, see the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, L.2017.40.3. Related Literature: C. Avery, Giambologna. The Complete Sculpture, Oxford, 1987, pp. 137, 261, no. 69.