An ancient Roman bronze statuette of Minerva (Athena), standing wearing peplos and chiton, with her Corinthian helmet pushed back on her head, and her aegis with gorgoneion hanging from her shoulder; her left hand once held her spear and her right supported her shield.
Ca. 1st - 2nd century AD.
Height: 5 1/4 in. (13.4 cm).
Minerva (Greek: Athena) was part of the Roman Capitoline Triad of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. She was the daughter of Jupiter. Her sphere included not only wisdom, technology, and domestic crafts; but also war and defense.
Formerly in an American private collection, acquired at Christie's, London, December 12, 1989, lot 244.