Artwork
Statue of Minerva
Statue of Minerva is a print by the Romanticist artist Pierre Bouillon. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1810 print on paper, Plate 25 from the first volume of *Musée des Antiques*, depicts a statue of Minerva, attributed to Pierre Bouillon. The black-and-white image shows a tall, upright figure of the Roman goddess of wisdom.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays Minerva in classical attire, identifiable by her helmet with plume, long draped robe, and attributes: a round shield on her left arm and a right arm extended with two fingers pointed forward. The inscription 'MINERVE' confirms the subject.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the print showcases a straightforward, detailed representation of the statue, characteristic of early 19th-century artistic reproductions. The artist's use of line and shading captures the sculptural form.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Pierre Bouillon, this print was published in 1810 as part of *Musée des Antiques*. It is currently part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
Created during a period of renewed interest in classical antiquity, this print reflects the era's fascination with ancient Roman deities and the dissemination of their images through printed media.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre Bouillon was a French painter and engraver. Born in Thiviers, he studied with the Académie-trained history painter Nicolas-André Monsiau. He was awarded the grand prize of the Institut de France in July 1797 for…
