Andiron with figure of Minerva (one of a pair) 1550 - 1599

This bronze andiron, one of a pair, was created by Danese Cattaneo in the 16th century, a time when Italian artists looked back to classical antiquity for inspiration. Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, stands tall, spear in hand, embodying strength. But what does it mean to place a female figure in a position of power? Cattaneo lived in a patriarchal society, yet he chose to represent a woman as the embodiment of authority. Consider how the inclusion of the three reclining female figures at the base of the andiron complicate or reinforce Minerva's central presence. These andirons weren’t just functional; they were symbols of wealth, power, and cultural sophistication. They reflect the intersection of domestic life and classical ideals during the Renaissance.