Minerva on Statue of The Duke of Wellington – Manchester, UK
Posted by: 
dtrebilc
N 53° 28.849 W 002° 14.144
30U E 550717 N 5926032
This figure of Minerva the Roman Goddess of Wisdom and war, is one of four allegorical figures on a statue dedicated to the Duke of Wellington.
Waymark Code: WMDVDC
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 02/26/2012
Views: 3
The Roman Goddess Minerva
Minerva was the Roman Goddess of wisdom but also war. In art she is usually depicted wearing a war helmet, including this statue.
She was the daughter of Jupiter and Juno and sprang fully formed from Jupiter’s head.
Her use on this statue represents the fact that not only was the Duke of Wellington a warrior, but also a wise one, skilful in the tactics of battle.
The Statue
The statue was unveiled on 30th August 1856 to commemorate the life of the Duke of Wellington.
The Duke had been a hugely successful military commander who had fought in 60 different battles. He was especially loved in the UK for his defeat of the French and especially Napoleon Bonaparte.
In recognition of his successes in battle he won many awards and tiles both in the UK and in other countries in Europe. His highest titles were Duke of Wellington in the U.K., Duke of Vitoria in Portugal, Duke of Ciudad Rodrigo in Spain and Prince of Waterloo in The Netherlands.
He was also one of those rare people who went on after a successful military career to also have a successful political career. He was Prime Minister of the U.K. twice and then went on to become a Peer in the UK’s upper house, the House of Lords.
The city of Manchester had decided within 4 days of Wellington’s death that they wished to erect a statue and announced a competition.
The chosen design by Matthew Noble shows Wellington as a Politician giving a speech with 4 allegorical figures, representing four aspects of his life.
Mars, the God of War, sword in hand, exemplifying valour.
Minerva, representing wisdom, but also the Goddess of war..
Victory, holding a wreath of oak leaves in her right hand.
Peace, holding an olive branch, a cornucopia at her feet.
Time Period: Ancient
Epic Type: Mythical
Exhibit Type: Figure, Statue, 3D Art
Approximate Date of Epic Period: Not listed
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