brittania

J' aime beaucoup Toute mon amitié Domi

the iconography here is almost completely Roman, calling her Brigantia, but portraying her as a sovereignty goddess with a full set of the attributes of Minerva: the spear and shield and the Aegis on her breastplate, and in her hand, the orb as a symbol of her universal rulership. You may recall having seen this particular icon, but honestly, just how often? Why so infrequently? www.flickr.com/photos/powerhouse_museum/3640355880/ The Minerval aspect of Brigid accounts for or at least informs many of the bits of lore we have from the Irish and the Scots. The protectress function not only sees her as a guide and guardian of armies and nations but figures equally well in her inspiration to mothers and house keepers as foster mother, blesser of the home-hearth and protector of door, wall and roof. As inspiratrix she guides the creative with her flame of wisdom. As the emblem of the soul of the nation of Ireland to this day and more anciently of Britain, there is little question of her function as a goddess of sovereignty.

The 'Britannia' a passenger liner; 6,061 tons, Length 141.93m (465.8ft) owned by The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company. Built 1887, scrapped 1909. Plying UK/Australia service. Also to India and the Far East. First arrival in Sydney 26th July 1889: www.poheritage.com/content/mimsy/media/factsheet/92844bri... Painting: www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/ships/1887/BRITANNIA_246.jpg

Wow! Thanks for the great detective work. I have updated the date to c. 1889. AC