Physical Qualities
Bronze, gilded patina, 12-1/2 H x 5 L x 6-1/2 D in.
Credit Line
The George A. Lucas Collection, purchased with funds from the State of Maryland, Laurence and Stella Bendann Fund, and contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations throughout the Baltimore community
Object Number
1996.46.27
Fully three-dimensional, free standing seated female nude figure wearing a headband; proper left arm bent, hand on hip, and holding a staff in proper right hand. In her raised proper right hand she is holding what appears to be the edge of a rope or cord that drapes around her neck and is attached to the sword. Minerva is sitting on a bunched drapery. Seated on the ground in back of the figure is an owl (Athena/Minerva's attribute - symbol of wisdom). Figure and accoutrements are very detailed and precise. Modeling of figure owes much to idealized Greek Classical / Hellenistic sculpture. Base: round/oval natural rocky ground with rim.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchse, 1996; from Maryland Institute, College of Art, Baltimore, by gift, 1910; from Henry Walters, Baltimore, by bequest, 1909; from George Aloysius Lucas, Paris
Inscribed: Top of base: front/left, stamped 'BARYE'; side of base: back/center, stamped 'F.BARBEDIENNE.FONDEUR.' Two stickers: L.64.15.31; BMA cat. #410.
