CIRCLE OF JOSEPH CHINARD (1756-1813), FRENCH, CIRCA 1790-1800 | MINERVA PROTECTING THE ARTS AND SCIENCES

This exceptionally fine terracotta statuette represents Minerva protecting the Arts and Sciences. Dressed in beautifully modelled classical drapery and wearing a decorated helmet, the goddess rests her proper left hand in protection on the symbols of the arts and science: a geometry drawing, a sheet of music, a palette with brushes, the Belvedere torso, a chisel and hammer, and a globe behind her right foot. 

Stylistically the figure bears a striking affinity to works executed by Joseph Chinard in Lyon around 1790, including the seated terracotta figure of La République in the Musée du Louvre (inv. no. R.F. 1883), whose classically idealised facial features resemble those of the Minerva. Another comparison is found in the figure of Minerva in Chinard's marble Allegorical Portrait of the van Risamburgh Family (1790), now in the Getty Museum (inv. no. 94.SA.2). Note the overall pose and hairstyle, as well as the densely arranged, meticulously delineated folds of drapery.