The Triumph of Mars Artist: Antoine Caron (French, 1521–1599)

ca. 1570

European Art

On view, 2nd floor, European Art

Based on an ancient Roman military procession, The Triumph of Mars is in fact an elaborate allegory of the evils of conflict, executed as the Wars of Religion (1562–98) were ravaging France, pitting Protestants against Catholics. Here, the Roman god of war, Mars, sits on a pile of trophies from conquered adversaries as his cart is drawn through a pillaged landscape by a personification of Fury and two fierce horses, Destruction and Devastation. Around them are the figures of Famine, Blasphemy, and Cruelty.

Medium

Oil on panel

Dimensions

unframed: 28 5/8 × 46 5/8 in. (72.7 × 118.4 cm)

Credit Line

Leonard C. Hanna, Jr., Class of 1913, Edwin J. Beinecke, Class of 1907, Archer M. Huntington, Class of 1897, and Mrs. Gile Whiting Funds

Accession Number

1974.40

Culture

French

Period

16th century

Classification

Paintings

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
The Hague sale, Netherlands, 1942 (as Maerten van Heemskerk, "Mars"); Sotheby's London Sale, 12 December 1973, lot #8 (sold as "The Property of a Lady"); Julius H. Weitzner, London, until May 1974.
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

human figures (visual works)

Subject

fire horses

Technical metadata and APIs

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