Allegory of March – Triumph of Minerva and Sign of Aries. Frescos in Palazzo Schifanoia (detail) 1470

This detail of a fresco in the Palazzo Schifanoia was painted by Francesco del Cossa, who lived in Ferrara in the 15th century. It's part of a series that blends classical mythology with astrological symbolism, reflecting the Renaissance fascination with aligning earthly life with celestial movements. Here, we see a pair of meticulously rendered white horses which convey the power and prestige associated with the ruling class of Ferrara. Cossa places these animals, symbols of virility and strength, within a broader scene of courtly life, subtly reinforcing the Duke’s authority through a display of wealth and classical knowledge. In an era where visual art was a powerful tool for constructing identity and projecting status, Cossa's fresco provides a glimpse into the intricate dance between art, power, and the social order. But what does it mean to see the zodiac rendered this way? It makes me wonder about the place of the cosmos in daily life and the powerful need to find meaning and order in a world that often felt chaotic and arbitrary.