Pallas Athena

This is a wax and plaster relief from an antique gem now at Vienna. The relief represents Pallas Athene.

Pallas Athena is the Greek goddess of war, wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, the arts, crafts, and skill. Athena is also the goddess of heroic endeavour and the patroness of Athens. She was the favourite daughter of Zeus usually shown wearing a helmet and carrying a spear and shield. As opposed to the Greek goddess of war Ares, she represents civilized and intellectual side of war, being also wise in the arts of peace. Athena is also often shown with an olive branch, a symbol of peace and plenty.