early 1880's antique american high victorian era heavily ornamental cast iron residential fireplace coal and/or wood grate figural summer cover. the centrally located figural medallion contains the goddess "minerva," a roman goddess whom hellenizing romans from the second century b.c. onwards equated with the greek goddess athena. she was the virgin goddess of poetry, medicine, wisdom, commerce, weaving, crafts, magic, and the inventor of music. she is often depicted with an owl, her sacred creature and, through this connection, a symbol of wisdom. the highly stylized surrounding design motifs include two winged dragons a rams head and incredibly intricate scrolls with detailed leafage. traces of the original copper plated finish remain intact. salvaged from a chicago residence built in 1883. measures 20 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches. the salvaged summer cover was fabricated by the a.w. burrit company, bridgeport, ct.