It is easy to recognize statues of Minerva, as she wears an ægis or
mantle of goatskin (the emblem of the storm-cloud), the clasp of
which is the head of Medusa, won for her by Perseus. It has been
suggested that this head so worn has an inner meaning, and that it is
intended for a symbol of evil which, though always present, may be made
powerless by virtue.
This well executed statue of Minerva in the Capitol, Rome, is a direct
offspring of the colossal creation in ivory and gold by Phidias which
stood in the Parthenon. The energetic, warlike figure is short and
thick-set. The folds of the drapery, especially that of the upper
garment, are sharp and angular.
[Illustration]
Euterpe.
“The Charmer.”
“_Who can bar the way of song?
Who can do the Muse a wrong?
Sooner may the stream be reined,
Or the noonday sunbeams chained._”
--EDITH M. THOMAS.