Amya Petitioning Faustus for the Custody of Saint Mamas 1538 - 1548

Jean Cousin the Elder created this pen and brown ink drawing, "Amya Petitioning Faustus for the Custody of Saint Mamas," during the Renaissance. The religious nature of this drawing—made during a time of religious conflict— invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the story of Amya’s plea to Faustus. During the Renaissance, the role of women in society was largely confined to the domestic sphere, with limited access to education or influence in public life. In this context, Amya’s act of petitioning Faustus is quite striking. We witness a woman actively challenging authority in order to advocate for her child. The image raises questions about the role of religious figures, the relationship between justice and power, and also the tensions between earthly and divine law. The raw emotion depicted in the drawing offers an intimate glimpse into a mother’s struggle, reflecting the broader societal issues of faith, justice, and maternal agency during the Renaissance.