Minerva 19th - 20th century

"Minerva," a porcelain sculpture by Johann Christian Wilhelm Beyer, depicts the Roman goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. Created in the 19th or 20th century, the figurine showcases Minerva in a flowing robe, her hand resting on a shield. This delicate figure is a testament to the artistry of Beyer, a renowned German porcelain maker, and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Beyer's work, often inspired by classical mythology, revived the popular genre of porcelain figurines in the 18th century, reflecting the era's interest in classical themes and artistic refinement.