| Bronze statue of the goddess Athena known as “Athena of Piraeus” with one hand extended forward (holding Nike or a libation jar). Her left hand is positioned as if she is holding a shield and her spear. The goddess appears relaxed, in a compassionate pose, leaning lazily to her right. Athena wears a Doric peplos and a decorative diagonal aegis. Dated to late Classical period (late 4th c. BCE), although it exhibits some Hellenistic characteristics like the sweet, compassionate expression, the smallness of the face, and the shape of her sandals. It has been attributed to either Kephisodotos or Euphranor. Athena, also referred to as Pallas Athena/Athene, in Greek mythology is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, just warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. Athena is also a shrewd companion of heroes and is the goddess of heroic endeavor. She is the virgin patroness of Athens. The Athenians founded the Parthenon on the Acropolis of her namesake city, Athens (Athena Parthenos), in her honor. |
