Statue of Athene

The image of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, ran through the entire history of Ancient Greek art, undergoing major changes over time. Athena was a mighty and formidable warrioress, the protectress of cities and the embodiment of the rational principle in the cosmos. In the 5th century BC, when she had become a symbol of Athenian democracy, the intellectual aspect of her personality was enhanced. In the 4th century BC, in the work of artists belonging to the circle of Praxiteles, the image of the goddess acquired an unexpectedly lyrical note. The creator of the original which this Roman copy in the Hermitage collection is based on was clearly influenced by Praxiteles in his treatment of the drapery. He presents the clothing not as abstract structural shapes, bringing out the construction of the human bodies, but rather as fabric the softness, texture, thinness or thickness of which he sought to capture. This explains the character of the folds and their arrangement around the body, the movement of which they do not conceal. Due to the fact that the horizontal folds of the edge of the cloak are raised high, almost beneath Athena's bosom, her figure appears light and slim.