Roman Marble Statue of Minerva

2nd-3rd century AD. A carved marble statuette of Minerva, goddess associated with wisdom, strategic warfare and the sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy; she stands on a rectangular base wearing a peplos dress and palla, sandals on her feet and plumed helmet with fronds to the brow; left arm supporting a spear shaft, right arm raised. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Cf. Boucher, S. Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, item 10 for type. 1.7 kg, 29cm (11 1/2"). From a private European collection; formerly in a German collection formed before 2000; supplied with geologic report No. TL005227, by geologic consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz. Minerva is the Roman expression of the 'goddess of wisdom' perhaps adapted from an Etruscan original Menrva and influenced by the Greek Athena who was likewise a goddess of war, handicrafts and wisdom. Roman tradition more often emphasised the peaceful and artistic aspects of her cult, rather than the martial ones. Her worship took place at several sites around Rome including the Capitoline hill, the temple of Minerva Medica (where her curative powers were emphasised) and the Delubrum Minervae temple beneath the present church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. She formed part of a holy triad with the sky-god Tinia and goddess Uni, equating to the Roman Capitoline Triad of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. Her cult spread throughout the empire: in southwest Britain she was named Sulis Minerva and the hot restorative springs at Bath were dedicated to her.
Condition Report: Fine condition, repaired.