Ludovisi Ares

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The Ludovisi Ares stands as an exceptional Antonine Roman marble sculpture of Mars, a masterful 2nd-century replica of a late 4th-century BCE Greek original attributed to Scopas or Lysippus. This Roman god of war wears the name Ares, inspired by his Greek counterpart, symbolizing a harmonious blend of cultures. Mars is depicted as youthful and beardless, seated on a majestic trophy of arms, while an Eros playfully frolics around his feet. This captivating scene draws attention to the fact that even in moments of repose, the god of war can be seen as a desirable love object, highlighting the complexities of human nature. In the 18th century, renowned connoisseur Johann Joachim Winckelmann, known for his discerning eye for male beauty, deemed the Ludovisi Ares the most breathtaking Mars sculpture to have survived from Antiquity. This assessment is still celebrated today as a testament to the enduring power of this iconic work. Lysippos, a legendary Greek sculptor of the 4th century BC, left an indelible mark on the art world alongside Scopas and Praxiteles. As one of the most influential artists of the Classical Greek era, he skillfully bridged the transition to the Hellenistic period, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. However, Lysippos's artistic style remains a topic of debate among scholars due to the numerous copies of his work that have survived. His large workshop and numerous disciples created a ripple effect in the art world, making it challenging to distinguish between authentic pieces and replicas produced during his lifetime or later periods.