Pallas Athena

About this work

This black-and-white engraving shows a robed figure holding a spear and a shield. The figure’s face is half-hidden by a helmet with a plume, and one hand rests on a small owl perched nearby. The background is filled with swirling, dramatic lines that look like wind or fabric. The text below reads like a poem in Latin, which was common for allegorical works. The owl is a key detail—it’s often linked to wisdom in art. Next, check out engraving to see how artists like Saenredam created intricate lines with metal plates.