Store Sign, Carved Walnut, 17th Century, God Mars, Mythology Storefront

A spectacular and rare carved wooden store sign, originally polychrome, depicting Mars, the Roman god of war.

The god is depicted standing, dressed in ancient style with a lambrequin-adorned cuirass and a loose drape crossing his torso. His bearded, particularly expressive face is crowned with an imposing helmet topped by a tall plume. At his side rests a large richly carved oval shield, adorned with foliage motifs and a face surrounded by rays.

The sculpture stands out for the quality and abundance of its details: the curls of the beard and hair, the helmet’s decoration, the folds of the drapery, the knots tied around the legs, the sandals, and the breastplate’s ornaments.

The entire piece rests on a large carved wooden base mounted on four antique casters, with iron elements and bands. This mobile arrangement is a particularly interesting feature and makes it highly likely that this large figure was an historical store sign, intended to be placed in front of a shop and then brought inside when the shop closed.

The choice of Mars, immediately recognizable by his warlike appearance, made it possible to create a monumental sign that was easily identifiable from the street, in the tradition of figurative signs from the Ancien Régime.

The walnut displays a beautiful antique patina. The sculpture retains traces and surface variations that may indicate former polychromy, now largely lost.

Original condition with wear, cracks, damage, missing parts, and restorations consistent with the object’s history. One arm is missing. The photographs allow for a precise assessment of the condition.

An unusual piece, constituting a remarkable example of 18th-century French folk and commercial art.

Approximately 210 cm tall