Europe, Central Italy, Etruria, Etruscan, ca. 5th century BCE. A finely cast, solid bronze figure depicting Laran/Mars, the god of war, standing resolutely with his right arm raised, probably once holding a sword or spear, and wearing finely detailed armor and helmet. Such warrior figures were popular in Etruria during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, and most scholars agree that these figurines represented god Laran (the Etruscan god of war who was identified with the Greek Ares and the Roman Mars), as opposed to a private soldier poised to do battle. A rare piece, presenting an especially elegant rendering of the god of war, with adept treatment of his harmoniously proportioned body, well-defined musculature, and finely detailed armor. Size: 6.75" H (17.1 cm); 8.625" H (21.9 cm) on included custom stand. The figure is dressed and armed like a Greek hoplite, donning a short tunic, the trims of which end just above his genitals, and equipped with anatomical armor whose trims are delineated in bas relief. He also wears an Attic-type helmet with raised cheekplates and a high undulating plume. The lowered left arm was most likely protected by a circular shield; notice that a fixing tenon still remains at the elbow. The hand of the raised right arm probably once held a spear; notice the circular perforation for the weapon's insertion. He stands in a frontal position, stepping forward with the left leg. Despite this gesture of advancement, his expression is not one of aggression bot rather confidence. His face is rendered with almond-shaped eyes with engraved contours, a straight nose, a closed mouth, and smooth contours. The Etruscans were very sophisticated metalworkers - famous for their small-scale bronze figures, and looking at this exceptional example, it is easy to understand why. Apparently the demand for the Etruscan's masterful works was immense during their time, for when the Romans captured Volsinii in 265 BCE, they reportedly removed 2,000 bronzes! (Pliny, Natural History 34.33) See a similar Etruscan statue of Laran listed with Ancient Art for 30,800 Euros - http://www.ancient-art.eu/en/statuette-warrior-laran-mars Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #133298