ATHENA
Athēna (Ἀθηνᾶ) · Roman Minerva
Unchanged by any teller — how the centuries since have seen Athena.
Athena Parthenos (reconstruction)
After Phidias, 438 BC (original)
A marble statuette regarded as the most faithful surviving copy of the colossal gold-and-ivory Athena Parthenos that Phidias created for the Parthenon. The goddess stands fully armed, a winged Nike on her outstretched hand and her shield resting at her side. It is held in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.
The Mourning Athena
Unknown, c. 470–460 BC
A small marble relief showing Athena, helmeted and leaning on her spear, bowing her head before an upright stele. Its quiet, pensive pose has made it one of the most touching images of the goddess to survive from the Classical period. It is displayed in the Acropolis Museum, Athens.
Pallas Athene
Gustav Klimt, 1898
An oil painting of Athena in gleaming golden armor, the gorgoneion on her breast and a small nude figure of victory in her hand, her gaze level and unyielding. Painted at the height of the Vienna Secession, it became an emblem of the movement. It is held by the Wien Museum, Vienna.