Plate 20: Pallas Athena holding a shield with Medusa's head in her right hand and a lance in her left hand, from a series of mythological gods and goddesses 1526

This 16th-century engraving by Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio, known as "Plate 20: Pallas Athena holding a shield with Medusa's head in her right hand and a lance in her left hand," is a striking depiction of the Greek goddess Athena. The image showcases Athena's strength and power as she stands confidently, holding a spear and a shield emblazoned with Medusa's head. Caraglio's use of intricate detail, especially in the rendering of Athena's anatomy and the shield, highlights the beauty and complexity of Renaissance-era art. This print is a fascinating testament to the enduring power of classical mythology and the artistic mastery of the period.