Peahen with Six Chicks [reverse] 1551

Domenico Poggini created this bronze medal in the 16th century, during the Italian Renaissance, a period of renewed interest in classical antiquity and humanism. The medal depicts a peahen with six chicks, surrounded by the Latin inscription "Pvore Laeta Fovcandas," suggesting a theme of maternal love and nurturing. It offers insight into Renaissance ideals about women and motherhood. During this period, women’s identities were largely defined by their roles as wives and mothers, mirroring societal expectations for women to embody virtues of fertility, care, and domesticity. The peahen, a symbol of protection, reflects the period’s emphasis on women's roles within the family. This medal serves not only as a representation of Renaissance artistry, but also as a reflection of the period's social values, revealing the interconnectedness between art, identity, and cultural norms.