Woman with Child, and Pheme n.d.

Lazzaro Tavarone's pen and brown ink wash drawing presents us with two distinct, yet connected, allegorical scenes. The upper one depicts a woman with a child, and below, the figure of Pheme. The bond between mother and child is one of the oldest and most enduring images in art history, appearing in countless forms across cultures and eras. Yet, here, it is juxtaposed with Pheme, the Greek goddess of fame and rumor, often depicted with a trumpet, spreading news both true and false. This combination invites us to consider the narratives we construct around maternal figures. The archetype of the Madonna and Child echoes through time, from ancient fertility goddesses to Renaissance paintings, each reflecting societal values. But what happens when fame enters the picture? Does it amplify or distort the sacred image of mother and child? This question invites a deeper reflection on how collective memory shapes our perceptions, as these symbols evolve, carrying within them layers of history and emotion.