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Minerva

Creator

Artist · 1737–1823

Born in London, Joseph Nollekens was the son of a Flemish genre painter. He trained with a Flemish sculptor in London before going to Rome in 1762. Gaining employment in Bartolomeo Cavaceppi's workshop, he restored ancient sculptures as well as terracottas by such artists as Michelangelo and Giambologna. In this venerable city, Nollekens learned from the antique, perfecting a Neoclassical style th

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Date: 1775
Medium: Marble
Culture: English
Department: Sculpture
Institution: Getty Museum

Goddess of war and wisdom, the stately Minerva stands like a majestic column as she raises her helmet. At her side rests a large shield, on which is carved the frightening head of the Medusa, used to ward off enemies. Her body is composed in a spiral, which provides interesting views from several different angles. The marble statue formed part of a Judgment of Paris group. According to ancient mythology, Paris was chosen to decide between Juno, Minerva, and Venus for the title of "the fairest." Although Minerva promised him fame and glory in war, Paris chose Venus.

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