Fontana, Lavinia (1552-1614)
Minerva in atto di abbigliarsi (Minerva Dressing)
1613
Oil on canvas, 258 x 190 cm
Galleria Borghese, Roma
The work, which dates back to 1613, was painted in Rome, evoked here through the dome of St. Peter’s visible in the background. The painting depicts Minerva, goddess of wisdom, who has just laid down her weapons to put on a sumptuous feminine dress. Recognisable in the background, in a vanishing point prospective, are the staff, olive tree and owl, the warrior goddess’ usual attributes. (GB)