Pallas Athena:

Painted by Klimt in 1898, “Pallas Athena” was one of the most controversial works at the Secession’s first exhibition in the new Secession building. Here, Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, stares harshly out from the canvas. She is a perfect example of Klimt’s early manipulation of classical themes—“This Athena was not just a wise woman, she was a dangerous woman . . . an avenging warrior whose frontal stance . . . offered a direct challenge to the uncomprehending public. Like the slightly later ‘Nuda Veritas’—whose very image she holds in her hand—Athena promised exposure of cherished illusions and confrontation with unpleasant realities.” [Kallir, Jane. Gustav Klimt, 25 Masterworks. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1995. Page 14]