Minerva victorious over Ignorance

Minerva, Goddess of the arts and science, is at the centre of the painting. Her uncovered breasts characterise her as “sapientia lactans”, as the nourishing mother of wisdom. She has conquered the donkey-eared ignorance. However, her body posture recalls the resurrected Christ. She triumphs over dark forces and turns into the embodiment of the highest human ideals. The refined colouring and the elegant pose are both features of Rudolfinian courtly art.