Roman Bronze Bust of Mars

God of War and secret lover of the goddess of Love, Venus, Mars (Greek: Ares) was a dominant figure in the pantheon of the militaristic Roman world. Due to its small size, it is likely that this head was once a full-bodied figurine, used as an object of worship in a household shrine. Such figures of gods were prayed to, to either invoke a favour or give thanks for one given. The use of bronze enabled the sculptor to render the small face with much detail, the curls of the beard for example. Mars is shown with his usual garb of a crested helmet, and with a surly expression on his face.