Athena (from a Colossal Statue), A

Alternative Title

Minerva

Creator

• Unknown

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

2nd century CE

Abstract

Athena's head faces front center, adorned with a toga and helmet

Keywords

Greek Classical period, Bust (Statues), Peploses, Monumental sculptures

Alt Text

A marble bust of a helmeted Athena on a pedestal, with a plaque at the base. The helmet features a sphinx within its design.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Italy; Tivoli (Italy); Hadrian's Villa (Tivoli, Italy)

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Color photographs

Format

Digital Only

Note

This is a Roman marble sculpture depicting Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. The Romans referred to her as Minerva. It was based on the Classical Greek style, which often had its subjects in helmets, spears, and aegis. Specifically, this piece was a copy of a Greek original by Phidas, an Ancient Greek artist, from 5th century BCE. In this model, Athena has a Corinthian helmet that features a sphinx on top, as well as a draped peplos covering her shoulders. This segment would have been part of a massive relocation of Athena's entire body, but all that survived is her head and feet. Imagery of this goddess was widely used in public spaces and temples, as her statues symbolized strategy and martial prowess, placing emphasis on contemplation over force. She was most likely erected in the Villa Adriana in Tivoli near Rome, Italy. This bust is currently held at Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.

Identifier

A01-JGC0095

Recommended Citation

Unknown, "Athena (from a Colossal Statue), A" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 232.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/232