Pallas Athene (Minerva). The head of this goddess is helmeted. Sometimes the helmet is of the Corinthian pattern [(Fig. 38)] and sometimes of the Athenian [(Fig. 39)], often richly ornamented.

Fig. 37.Fig. 38.Fig. 39.
Hera (Juno).Pallas Athene.

She is often seen in a fighting attitude, as Pallas Promachos [(Fig. 40)], wielding a spear and holding before her a shield or ægis. She is also very frequently seated with a victory in her hand and her shield beside her. The shield of Pallas is usually distinguished by the Gorgon’s head in the centre. The attributes of this goddess are the owl and the olive.

Fig. 40.
Pallas Athene.		Fig. 41.
Demeter.		Fig. 42.
Persephone (Proserpine).

Demeter (Ceres) and Persephone (Proserpine). These two goddesses are known by the corn wreath which they both wear. Demeter, the mother [(Fig. 41)], is generally veiled; the daughter, Persephone, seldom (Figs. [42], [43]). The beautiful head on the well-known Syracusan medallions (see [Frontispiece]), crowned with corn leaves, is that of Persephone. This goddess often has a poppy either in her hair or at her breast. The torch is a frequent emblem, especially of Demeter.