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

Francesco del Cossa painted this section of the Allegory of March fresco in the Palazzo Schifanoia, representing the triumph of Minerva. Here, we see Minerva, goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, surrounded by women engaged in traditionally feminine crafts. Note how the women are weaving: a symbol of weaving fate and destiny, a motif that predates even the ancient Greeks. The act of weaving is laden with cultural associations, reappearing in various guises across time. Think of the Fates, the Moirai, who spin the thread of life, measure its length, and cut it. The presence of Minerva alongside these women elevates these activities, suggesting that intellect and strategic thinking are interwoven into the very fabric of daily life. The gesture of weaving, seemingly simple, embodies a profound emotional weight, engaging us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the intricate, non-linear paths of life and destiny. It’s a reminder of how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.