The Varvakeion Athena is the best ancient copy of the famous Athena Parthenos, the statue that once stood on the Parthenon in Athens. Today it is located at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and dates from the period between the reign of Hadrian (117–138 AD) and 200–250 AD.
The statue is made of Pentelic marble and measures 1.05 m (3.44 ft), about 1/12 of the height of the original, which was made of gold and ivory.
Athena wears a long dress tied with a belt featuring snakes, on her armor she bears the head of Medusa, and she has a helmet with sphinx and Pegasus. Next to her is a snake, symbol of Erichthonius, the first king of Athens. The shield shows the gorgoneion; the original also included scenes of mythological battles.
Some details differ from the original: the spear, the relief of Pandora’s birth, and the supporting column for Nike are missing.
The statue was discovered in 1880 near the Varvakeio school in Athens, from which it takes its name, and is the best-preserved copy of Phidias’ masterpiece from 438 BC.