Massimiliano Soldani Benzi

(Montevarchi, 1656 - Montevarchi, 1740)

Workshop of

The original model of this bronze is attributed to Massimiliano Soldani Benzi and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin (No. 8122). It depicts a nude man holding a severed head, most likely that of the John Baptist, in his left hand.

It is easy to recognize in this sculpture the well-known figure of Giambologna's Mars, one of the master's most successful inventions. Directly donated by the artist to the Elector of Saxony Christian I, it was documented as early as 1587 in the inventory of the Dresden Kunstkammer.

Giambologna's Florentine successors copied and reworked the master's invention. Massimiliano Soldani Benzi added a severed head to the subject of the Mars, producing an original and striking work.Extremely fine finish with splendid transparent reddish patina, typical of early Florentine production of Giambologna’s school.

The sword, cast separately, may have been replaced as Soldani’s original carries another type, a scimitar, or it may be an alternative form of the period

There is a reported passage at Christie's auction (December 6, 2016) of the same subject with similar attribution.