Athena Minerva with Angel Statue

This sculpture of Athena Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, war and the handicrafts was the patroness of Athens according to ancient Greek mythology. Minerva was the goddess's Roman counterpart name. According to Hesiod Athena sprang forth in full armor out of Zeus's forehead. As told in the Iliad, she fought alongside the Greek heroes and she represented the virtues of justice and skill in warfare as opposed to the blood-lusting behavior of Ares. Athena (Minerva) was associated with birds, especially the owl and the snake, and she was usually represented as a virgin goddess. Her birth and the contest she had with Poseidon for Athens are depicted on the walls of the Parthenon. Her birthday is celebrated in the festival called Panathenaea. The Athena sculpture is perfect for the desktop, countertops or shelves as an art display that doesn't take up too much space.