Three Goddesses: Pallas Athena

The goddess is shown in profile wearing an elaborate plumed helmet and a classical breastplate. She rests her hand on the Aegis, a shield bearing the screaming visage of the Gorgon, while her sacred owl watches from a cloud in the background. The print displays the intricate, swelling line work characteristic of the Haarlem Mannerist style.

In the Neoplatonic and Hermetic traditions, Athena represents the 'Divine Mind' or the spark of celestial intelligence descending into the world. She embodies the synthesis of wisdom and action, often serving as a patroness for the 'hidden arts' and the protection of philosophical truth from the profane.