Minerva c. 1520 - 1550

Antonio da Trento created this rendition of Minerva in the 16th century. Here, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare is depicted in dynamic motion, a spear in her right hand, a symbol of her martial prowess and strategic thinking. Minerva’s image hearkens back to the Greek Athena, with roots stretching even further to ancient Near Eastern goddesses of war and wisdom. This visual lineage reminds us that few images are truly original; they carry echoes of the past. Even her stance has precedents in classical sculpture, and in later works, her image appears during the Renaissance as an emblem of enlightened rule. The owl, often associated with Minerva, symbolizes knowledge and insight, linking her to intellectual pursuits. Over time, this symbol has resurfaced in various guises. This image, with its potent symbolism, is not merely a depiction but a conduit, connecting us to a timeless narrative of human intellect and strategic ingenuity.