The painting shows the lavishly attired young goddess Minerva seated behind a table on which lies an open folio. Her body is slightly twisted towards us, and she is looking attentively in the direction of the viewer. She is wearing a grey-blue dress with a tight bodice and loose sleeves over a white chemise and a light grey skirt. her shoulders are covered by a cloak made from shimmering gold brocade, which contrasts with the blue and grey tones of her dress. Her flowing gold-blond hair is adorned with a wreath of laurel. Next to some books and a globe are the goddess's attributes: spear, helmet, and a shield decorated with the head of Medusa.
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