Combats and Triumphs: Minerva or Victorious Virtue
Engraving, part of a set of 12 prints of rectangular shape, executed over black backgrounds, and depicting combats and triumphs, likely influenced by the combat scenes created by German masters such as Georg Pencz and the Beham brothers. This print represents Minerva, in the center, wearing her hat and a draping, classicized robe, sitting on trophies made up of a variety of arms, and holding a spear on his right hand. Her shield, ornated with the head of Medusa, lies at her feet, on her left, while an owl and a branch rest on her right. This print is likely an allegory of victorious wisdom: victory symbolized by the eagle that brings a laurel wreath to the female figure in the center of the plate, and by the presence of a second laurel wreath hanging on the arms standing to her right. The laurel wreath is an attribute for winners and victors, or of Victorious Virtue. To the sides of this victorious virtue, incarnated by Minerva, are prisoners, tied to the arms, possibly symbolizing the vices over which virtue has triumphed. The serene representation of Minerva in the print, contrasting with other representations of her, relating her to war, by Delaune, highlights her majesty and her virtue.
Artwork Details
- Title: Combats and Triumphs: Minerva or Victorious Virtue
- Artist: Etienne Delaune (French, Orléans 1518/19–1583 Strasbourg)
- Date: before 1556
- Medium: Engraving: first state
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed): 2 11/16 × 8 13/16 in. (6.9 × 22.4 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1947
- Object Number: 47.139.81
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.