This Mars, one of the most excellent works of ancient art, in the Villa Ludovisi, Rome, is sometimes ascribed to Scopas.
The god, with unused sword and shield, is sitting in a careless, easy attitude absorbed in reverie. It would seem to us from the little Cupid at his feet that it is love for Venus which has overcome the god of battles.
Laocoon.
“Or, turning to the Vatican, go see
Laocoon’s torture dignifying pain—
A father’s love and mortal agony
With an immortal patience blending; Vain
The struggle; vain, against the coiling strain