Post-classical culture Athena

minerva , triumph of jupiter rené-antoine houasse (1706)



statue of pallas athena in front of austrian parliament building. athena has been used throughout western history symbol of freedom , democracy.

early christian writers such clement of alexandria , firmicus denigrated athena representative of things detestable paganism; condemned immodest , immoral . during middle ages, however, many attributes of athena given virgin mary, who, in fourth century portrayals, depicted wearing gorgoneion. viewed virgin mary warrior maiden, athena parthenos; 1 anecdote tells virgin mary once appeared upon walls of constantinople when under siege avars, clutching spear , urging people fight. during middle ages, athena became used christian symbol , allegory; appeared on family crests of noble houses.

during renaissance, athena donned mantle of patron of arts , human endeavor; allegorical paintings involving athena favorite of italian renaissance painters. athena used symbol female rulers, , series of paintings peter paul rubens depict patron of marie de medici. during french revolution, statues of pagan gods torn down throughout france, statues of athena not. instead, athena transformed personification of freedom , republic , statue of goddess stood in center of place de la revolution in paris. in years following revolution, artistic representations of athena proliferated.

one of sigmund freud s treasured possessions small, bronze statue of athena, sat on desk. freud once described athena woman unapproachable , repels sexual desires - since displays terrifying genitals of mother. feminist views on athena sharply divided; feminists regard symbol of female empowerment, while others regard ultimate patriarchal sell out... uses powers promote , advance men rather others of sex. in contemporary wicca, athena venerated aspect of goddess , wiccans believe may bestow owl gift ( ability write , communicate ) upon worshippers. due status 1 of twelve olympians, athena major deity in hellenismos, neopagan religion seeks authentically revive , recreate religion of ancient greece in modern world.

a statue of athena stands directly in front of austrian parliament building in vienna, , depictions of athena have influenced other symbols of western freedom, including statue of liberty , britannia. on century, full-scale replica of parthenon has stood in nashville, tennessee. in 1990, curators added gilded forty-two foot (12.5 m) tall replica of phidias s athena parthenos, built concrete , fiberglass. state seal of california bears image of athena kneeling next brown grizzly bear. athena natural patron of universities: @ bryn mawr college in pennsylvania statue of athena (a replica of original bronze 1 in arts , archaeology library) resides in great hall. traditional @ exam time students leave offerings goddess note asking luck, or repent accidentally breaking of college s numerous other traditions. pallas athena tutelary goddess of international social fraternity phi delta theta. owl symbol of fraternity.

athena has been used numerous times symbol of republic different countries, , has appeared on modern coins, did on ancient athenian drachma. head appears on $50 1915-s panama-pacific commemorative coin. @ 2.5 troy oz (78 g) gold, largest (by weight) coin ever produced u.s. mint. first $50 coin issued u.s. mint , no higher produced until production of $100 platinum coins in 1997. in terms of face-value in adjusted dollars, 1915 highest denomination ever issued u.s. mint.