Circa 100-300 AD A beautiful bronze bust of the Roman god of war Mars, wearing a domed helmet which would originally have had a high plumed crest. This elaborate helmet was known as the galea and wasmonly given a crest like the one, often made of bird feathers or horsehair, which not only served to intimidate, but also to distinguish different ranks within the Roman military and as a keyponent the traditional iconographic program of Mars. He is depicted with locks of curls which adorn his chin in the form of a beard and moustache, framing his pursed lips, flat nose, and wide round eyes. Imbued in a verdant hued patina evocative of the ancient world, this intricately detailed bust is a stunning example from Imperial Rome. Mars (Greek Ares) was the god of war - son to Jupiter and Juno (Greek Zeus and Hera) and one of the Twelve Olympians. His sister Minerva (Greek Athena) was the goddess of war. Whereas Mars/Ares traditionally represents the fiery, violent aspects ofbat, his sister Minerva/Athena usually represents intellectual military strategy. Second in importance only to Jupiter, Mars was highly regarded as the chief military god of the Roman army. For similar style of bust see: The British Museum: Accession number: 1871,0601. Size: L:101mm (with stand) / W:35mm; 260g Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.