A French bronze figure of Minerva, late 19th century

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Details

A French bronze figure of Minerva, late 19th century
Cast with head to sinister, her scale breastplate cast with a gorgon's head and snakes in low relief, her aegis draped overall, her shield also with Gorgon's mask resting on the ground behind her, on a shaped cavetto edged base inscribed MINERVA, the reverse with F.BARBEDIENNE Fondeur, later gilt heightened -- 23½in. (59.7cm.) high
See back cover illustration

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. This lot is subject to Collection and Storage Charges.

Lot Essay

The motif of the gorgon's mask, which appears twice in this model is associated with Athena, the Greek predecessor to Roman Minerva. Upon sleighing Medusa, Perseus presented her severed head to Athena, his patroness.

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