Herma of Mars. Roman. 1st-2nd century A.D. Marble. Provenance: Private collection Dr. Angelo Bergamo, New Jersey, USA. Acquired in the 1970s from Harmer Rooke Galleries, New York. Private collection, West Coast, USA. Acquired by inheritance. Conservation: Very good condition, both of the figure and the marble surface. Minor losses to the edges of the ears and beard, as well as to the crest at the top of the helmet, with a small repair to one edge of the ear. It has also lost the tip of the nose. Measurements: 22,3 x 12,8 x 7 cm. This marble bust representing the god Mars crowned a rectangular pillar usually called Herma, in honor of Hermes. Hermas initially represented Hermes, but in Roman times it is common the representation of the god of war, Mars, characterized as a battle-hardened and bearded young man, wearing a helmet with a plume, ready for battle. The quality of the carving can be appreciated in the delicate curly locks of the beard, which respond to deep incisions, and in each of the physiognomic details. In Roman mythology, Mars had many attributes, he was the god of war, male virility, violence, passion, sexuality, bravery. He also held the title of patron of Roman warriors, of horror and victory in wars, of perfection and beauty. The hermas were pillars on which the bust was placed (in Greek times, it had been that of the god Hermes). They were in great demand by the Romans with a certain purchasing power to decorate their houses and villas. They were also used as posts for ornamental garden trellises, in which case they were usually adorned with the busts of philosophers or great personalities. During the Empire, the function of hermas was more architectural than religious.