Sacred Athena

Renaissance bronze Minerva

Minerva, second half 16th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 41.100.81.

Minerva, second half 16th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 41.100.81.

Caption and print note The formal museum attribution is “After a model by Benvenuto Cellini,” but its curatorial discussion says attribution is unresolved. The left hand and shield are later replacements. Do not present this as a securely autograph Cellini or as an ancient figure.

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