Located in The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY

This painting was created to depict the Roman goddess of war, Bellona. In this image, we don’t see the stylized or idealized body of a goddess, but a beautiful likeness to a realistic woman. Aside from its contextual history, this piece is significant to this collection because she is relatable, and her likeness is attainable. She isn’t sexualized or idealized in the sense that most goddesses have been. The audience doesn’t get the impression that she comes from another realm, but that she is in this reality. Her power is endowed through duty in uniform, weaponry, and a shield referring to Medusa. 

Located in the Rubin Museum of Art in New York, NY

This textile piece is a representation of several protector deities in the Himalayas and Tibet. Her mythology is based in the Hindu and Buddhist religion. With many names and portrayals, she can be most closely compared to Kali, a war Goddess, and the fearsome form of Sarasvati, the Goddess of creativity. Adorned with skulls and armed with a staff, she evokes a battle-ready feeling. Without a doubt, this Goddess is one who is not to be challenged. 

Located in The Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn, NY

Sekhmet, or Sakhmet (as named above) is the Goddess of War in Egyptian mythology and the protector of the Sun God, Re/Ra and defender of Egypt. In a somewhat dichotomous way, she was also considered to be the Goddess of Healing, if in her calmer cat form, Bastet. In this piece, she stands confidently to meet the eye of her audience with conviction. Meant to be viewed face-to-face and with almost life-like proportions, this rendering of Sakhmet claims respect and equality.

Located in the British Museum in London, United Kingdom

This is a depiction of Chalchiuhtlicue, the goddess of lakes and rivers. She is the relative of Tlaloc, the Rain God. While she is considered complimentary to a male counterpart, her feminine role carries importance due to her association with irrigation and fishing. She is regarded during birth as well, though this is not her sole spiritual consideration. Her femininity can be associated with innocence, rather than dominance. Power can be demonstrated in gentleness, too, since the preservation of this value for women takes intentionality. Chalchiuhtlicue therefore represents a choice to be pure, and strength in doing so. 

Located in The British Museum in London, United Kingdom

Xiwangmu was literally the patron Goddess of Women in Chinese culture during this statue’s creation ca. 1662-1722. Her name directly translates as “Queen Mother of the West”. She was the guardian of the peaches of immortality (seen in the branch held close to her face). She is a Goddess responsible for the cycle of life and for the age of every living being. In this statue, she is certainly shown in a way that is elegant and is revered for much more than beauty. 

Located in Jerusalem, Israel

This is a statue of Ma’at, the Egyptian Goddess of truth and justice. Ma’at is known for her responsibility to weigh the heart of the dead against a feather to measure the value of their actions during life. Contextually, the Goddess shown is nothing like the gendered history we usually imagine – even in Ancient Egypt. She is respected for her ability to decide for a man the proceedings on his life. She is not seen here
to be a trope of motherhood, birth, fertility or even inversely as a Goddess to be feared. She carries wisdom which brings her power. 

Located in The Walters Museum in New York, NY

Tara, an Indonesian Buddhist Goddess, is considered a mentor and teacher to the coming Buddha before his next incarnation. She is part of the Mahayana tradition or “vehicle” of Buddhism. The significance in this statue is profound since she is respected in mythology as someone who guide’s a God to fulfill the expectations of his male role. That is, even the Buddha trusts Tara. She is not subservient, but a creator of power and a teacher of compassion for generations to come. She is also  seen as “a savior” goddess to alleviate the suffering of others.