Statue of Athena ("Hope Athena")

Excavated in 1797 by Robert Fagan near Tor Boacciana, found below its niche, like the Hope Hygieia. Formerly collection Thomas Hope and William Randolph Hearst.
Date: second century AD. H. 2.18.

Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom, is immediately identifiable by her protective aegis, a snake-fringed garment on which is fixed the head of the Gorgon Medusa. Her helmet is another distinctive attribute, topped here by a sphinx and griffins. She wears a heavy mantle (himation) over the lighter chiton, which is visible as crinkled drapery around her shoulders and ankles. Gemstones would probably have been inlaid for her eyes, and bronze eyelashes were reportedly found when the statue was excavated.

Paschetto nr. 32. Arachne 12079. Photo: LACMA. LACMA info.