October "Octobre" 18th century classical calendar panel print.

by Unknown

Classical Wall Panel. OCTOBER with Minerve and Mars.

The great goddess Minerva ranked third among the Roman gods, after Jupiter and Juno. She was the daughter of Jupiter and Juno, and sister to Hebe, royal water bearer to the gods. Minerva was worshipped as the goddess of wisdom, and arts and crafts (particularly weaving and spinning). As the goddess of civilized war and trade, Minerva features the classic Roman helmet, and now famous breastplate of armour.

Mars, the Roman god of war, was one of the most worshipped and revered gods throughout ancient Rome. He was the son of Jupiter and Juno and according to legend, fathered Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. Mars held a special place in the Roman Pantheon not only for his patronly influence, but because of the importance of military achievement in the republic and the Roman Empire.

Reproduction printed from a beautiful eighteenth century copperplate engraving, one of a series of twelve exquisitely detailed panels representing the months of the year "under the protection" of the ancient mythical gods who were believed to watch over those born in that month.

Size: 650 x 200mm (25.5 x 8 inches).