The Italian Artist Parmigianino Masterpiece Pallas Athene Exhibited At The Queen Gallery Part Of The Royal Collection Editorial Image

The figure is identified by the cameo on her breastplate as Pallas Athene, the warrior, goddess of wisdom and patron of Athens. Parmigianino has stylised and distorted the figure of the goddess to create a mannerist ideal of beauty.The subject in this painting is identified by the inscription at the lower edge of the cameo set into the breastplate, above which the image of Victory with palm and olive branch is flying over a city, presumably Athens. Pallas Athene was a warrior, usually shown in armour, as well as being the goddess of wisdom and patron of the city that bears her name. The olive branch is here to remind us that she was elected because the Athenians preferred her gift of an olive tree to the horse offered by Poseidon; the Victory is to remind us of the many triumphs brought through her protection.