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Rodin Museum

Minerva

Modeled c. 1898; carved 1901
Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917) Carved by Camille Raynaud (French, 1868– after 1931)

Rodin’s model for Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, music, poetry, crafts, and defense, was Marianna Russell (Italian, 1865–1908). Although she wears a helmet and breastplate decorated with a fierce Medusa’s head, this Minerva’s expression emphasizes the goddess’s intellectual and creative qualities.

Russell was a popular artist’s model and had previously posed for French sculptor Emmanuel Frémiet’s Joan of Arc.


Object Details

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Rodin Museum