Bellone or Minerva, from a set of six pagan divinities with grotesques on black grounds

Engraving, likely a copy after a print, part of a reproduction of a series of six representations of pagan divinities with grotesque motifs on black grounds, created by Étienne Delaune before 1573. This print is an allegory of Bellone or Minerva, represented by a female figure standing balancing on a vase, in the center of the composition. Around her are all the attributes of Minerva: a helmet, a shield, a spear, and an owl on either side of her head. The owl might also be a symbol of night and of death, both elements convenient in the representation of a warrior goddess. The owls are perched on two trumpet-like motifs with sinuous silhouettes, with hanging flags with irregular edges; two representations of Fame, standing on the sides of the goddess, and with butterfly wings, blow them. At the feet of the goddess, and framing her legs, are two palm leaves, attributes of victory and triumph; the cutting nature of their leaves recalls the movement of flames and recall the edges of the flags that pend from the trumpets. The composition is crowned by a tent, which is flanked by two hangings, upon which stand two monstruous creatures, consisting of a snail shell with rooster legs, hanging breasts, and bird heads. From the outer edges of the hangings fall two bundles of fruits and leaves, symbolizing the abundance promised by Victory, which float above the heards of the representations of Fame. Under them are two fuming oil lamps, possibly symbolizing vanity. Diagonally below the two representations of Fame are two leaping deers, separated by scrolling motifs from two rabbits, all of them likely symbolizing sexual ardor, unusual for a representation of Minerva. On the lower corners of the print are two tritons, whose presence is as enigmatic as that of the monstruous figures on the upper part of the print.