A Neapolitan Bronze Figure of Minerva, Chiurazzi, late 19th century, standing enrobed with spear

A Neapolitan Bronze Figure of Minerva, Chiurazzi, late 19th century, standing enrobed with spear and helmet, a snake around her feet, on rectangular integral plinth, with Chiurazzi foundry stamp, 71cm high (surface badly oxidized and weather worn) To the Greeks and Romans she was the goddess of Wisdom. To the Greeks she was known as Athena or Athene. The snake was associated with the Greek Athena at the beginning of her cult. Its association with wisdom, or prudence, comes from Matt.10:16, Be ye therefore wise as serpents (ie weary).