Mars Gradivus

Born in Flanders, Jean de Boulogne was better known by his Italian name, Giovanni Bologna, or Giambologna for short. In the late sixteenth century, his small bronzes were among the most sought-after objects for the art collections of courts, and were swiftly disseminated throughout Europe. Giambologna was the court sculptor of the Medici, who used his works as diplomatic gifts. One of the artist’s favourite and most frequently repeated motifs was that of the ancient god of war, Mars, pictured as a vanguard fighter (gradivus) with a short sword in his right hand. The muscular figure is presented in a precisely calculated, complex stance. From the emphatically rotated rump to the outstretched arms and the striding legs, the figure rhythmically claims its space. The slightly raised left heel underlines the dynamism of the statuette. The flawless surface, the meticulous detail of the hands and feet, and the earnest, resolute expression on the war god’s face underline the bellicose energy that emanates from this bronze.