A fantastic Roman marble fragment depicting the head of a helmeted Mars, c. 2nd – 3rd Century AD, wearing crested Corinthian helm, his features nicely detailed with heavy beard resembling the emperor Septimius Severus, his upper body bare with chlamys over left shoulder. This fascinating piece gives fantastic insight into the thought process of Roman sculptors as they crafted their work. Carvings were meant to be seen from certain angles based upon where they would be displayed, and the sculptors carved the stone to look as they intended from whichever angle it was to be viewed. Because of this, when viewed from a different angle, the often looks distorted. This lovely marble carving of Mars, displays this interesting effect incredibly well. When viewed from the photo we list first, the piece looks as it is designed too, with correct proportions and facial spacing. However, when viewed from the angles of the second and third photo, the face looks to almost be melting as the facial features become muddled and undefined. We also see that there is less detail to the left side of the face and hat, as this was not the side intended to be seen. Just a fascinating piece!!!!! Well-preserved with surface deposits throughout. 8 in x 8 in x 7 ¾ in (20.4 x 20.4 x 19.8 cm). Heady limestone base. (19.5cm). Ex South London, UK private collection.

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