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Minerva, A325
  • Production Date

    No earlier than June 1836 - No later than August 1836
  • Type of Work / Object

    Sculpture > Relief

Explanation

  • Minerva is the goddess of war and so is wearing a helmet and carrying a lance and shield, but she is also the goddess of craft, science and thus of wisdom. This fits in well with her having been born fully grown and fully armed from her father Jupiter’s forehead, behind which, of course, resides the intellect. The owl is her symbol because it can see in the night, just as wisdom in a figurative sense can illuminate the darkness.

Motif / Theme