Mars, terracotta 1757

Willem Hendrik van der Wall's terracotta sculpture, "Mars," depicts the Roman god of war in a heroic pose, standing with a sword in his right hand and a cloak flowing dramatically behind him. The sculpture's realistic details, including the intricate armor and the expressive face of the god, reflect the artist's mastery of the Neoclassical style popular in the 18th century. The sculpture's earthy terracotta material adds a tactile quality to the work, contrasting the ideal form of the Roman deity. "Mars" is a testament to van der Wall's skill and the enduring appeal of classical themes in art.