Italian, late 16th century After the model by Giambologna (1529-1608)

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few minor areas of tarnishing and greening to the crevices. The blade of the sword is not present. There is a small hole due to a slight casting flaw to the proper right shin. There is some slight, naturally occurring veining to the white marble base.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This representation of Mars, also known as the Gladiator, was from its first inception one of Giambologna' most popular models. The prototype is believed to date from the early 1570's.Indeed one of the earliest reproductions of the model after Giambologna is the Mars in the Bargello which has been attributed to Pietro Da Barga (active 1574-1588). The present bronze, closely follows this original model.  The present bronze is an early cast. With its antique, almost classical surface, it is very much of the Renaissance, and in particular Florentine tradition of  bronze replicas of highly esteemed statuettes.

RELATED LITERATURE
Giambologna 1529-1608.Sculptor to the Medici, exh. cat., Arts Council of Great Britain, 1978, cat. no. 42; V.Krahn, Von allen Seiten schön, Bronzen der Renaissance und des Barock, exh. cat. Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin, 1995 , p. 368; Giambologna, gli dei, gli eroi, exh.cat. Museo Nazional del Bargello, Florence 2006, p. 356, no. 16, also cat. nos. 24 and 25.