_Ludovisi Villa, Rome_]
The statue reproduced in our illustration shows the god in his mildest
aspect. He is seated in a meditative attitude, clasping his hands over
his upraised knee. His splendidly developed body is relaxed in a posture
of repose, the shield is laid aside for a moment, and he rests from his
labors. In the best period of Greek sculpture it was entirely contrary
to the laws of taste to represent Ares in any warlike action. The gods
must always be portrayed in a dignified repose befitting their
superiority to mankind. Not then in his attitude or expression do we
find any sign of the character of the god. There is no suggestion of
unrest in his quiet posture.
The shape of his head perhaps gives some hint of his combative nature.
The cast of countenance, too, shows an impulsive temper, weak in
intellectual qualities, and quick to anger. Yet he is undeniably
attractive, with his well-chiseled features and clustering curls. The
small ear is as delicately cut as a woman's. The fine athletic figure is
such as any warrior might covet; muscular and supple, it is full of
power even in repose. The attitude of easy grace displays its best
points to advantage.
Sitting on the ground in front of the god is the figure of a mischievous
baby boy. This is the little god Eros, who in Greek mythology was
supposed to be the inspirer of love. The artist meant to suggest that
the subject of Ares' meditations might be some affair of the heart.
Certainly his mild smile would carry out that interpretation. Some
critics have thought, however, that the statue did not originally
include the child.
As we study the modelling of the figure, the free sweep of the long
lines delights the eye. We shall come to understand from repeated
examples that the best Greek sculptors thoroughly mastered the secret of
fine lines. Our illustration is somewhat unusual because the figure is
seated. Even in this position, however, the sculptor gives us a sense
of the perfect grace and lightness of the pose. There is nothing heavy
or immovable in the attitude. We can easily imagine how the god, rising
lightly to his feet, would stand erect and beautiful, ready for action.