Pallas Athene 1800 - 1900

Eugène Lacomblé created this small statuette of Pallas Athene in the 19th century, using terracotta. Terracotta, meaning "baked earth" in Italian, is a humble material, and its presence here is significant. The rough texture of the clay gives a tangible, earthy quality to the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Lacomblé likely built the figure by hand, perhaps using molds for the basic form, then adding details while the clay was still wet. You can see the marks of his tools. The firing process would have transformed the pliable clay into a permanent, hardened state. While marble or bronze might have been considered more prestigious materials for such a subject, the choice of terracotta speaks to a different set of values. It emphasizes the human touch and the directness of the making process. It also democratizes the image of Athene, bringing her down to earth, so to speak. Looking closely at the materials and processes of art making allows us to appreciate the skill and intention involved, challenging conventional hierarchies of value.