Minerva’s Chariot by Emmanuel Frémiet

Important bronze group of museum size representing the goddess Minerva, positioned on her triumphant chariot drawn by three stallions.
She is dressed in a warrior’s outfit with all her attributes, holding a golden spear and olive branch in her right hand and an aegis (shield) in her left hand, adorned with the head of an owl.
In Greek mythology, Minerva is the daughter of Jupiter. She came out of her father’s head after Vulcan hit his skull. Minerva represents the goddess of war, wisdom, intelligence, the arts and sciences and she is also the patron saint of craftsmen.

Original model (part of the tableware), was ordered to the Manufacture de Sèvres for the Universal Exhibition of 1900 and kept at the Palais de l’Elysée.

Minerva’s attributes:
Helmet: symbol of the Gorgon (Medusa)
Golden spear: symbol of warlike power
Armor: symbol of invincibility
Three horses: earned from the god Poseidon
Aegis: shield decorated with an owl, has the power of invisibility.
Chariot: symbol of victory

Associated animals and plants:
Snake: symbol of fertility
Owl: symbol of insight and wisdom
Olive tree: symbol of peace

French work from the beginning of the 20th century, circa 1903 – 1904.
Signed : E.Frémiet and F.Barbedienne Fondeur.
Extremely rare size, number 1 in the Barbedienne catalogue.