The Birth of Pallas Athene 1850

Constantin Hansen's "The Birth of Pallas Athene" (1850) depicts the Greek goddess Athena emerging from the head of Zeus. The scene unfolds with Zeus, seated on a throne, his expression calm, while a figure holding a hammer reacts in awe to the spectacle. Athena, clad in a flowing robe, holds a spear as she steps out from Zeus's head, her gaze focused and determined. The painting showcases Hansen's mastery of neoclassical style, characterized by precise lines, balanced composition, and a focus on classical themes. The work, now housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, is a testament to Hansen's skill in conveying both the awe and power of the divine.