Eroi prescelti dalla fama 1450

Lo Scheggia, brother of the more famous Masaccio, painted "Eroi prescelti dalla fama," or "Heroes Chosen by Fame," during the Early Renaissance in Florence. This was a time when humanist thought was taking hold, emphasizing classical learning and civic virtue. This painting offers a glimpse into the values of Florentine society, celebrating military prowess and literary achievement. It is impossible to ignore the complete absence of women on the left side of the panel, only to then be confronted by the image of the Madonna and Child. Here, the artist seems to be suggesting that a woman's fame can only be achieved through motherhood. In "Eroi prescelti dalla fama," Lo Scheggia not only reflects the social and political ideals of his time but also invites us to reflect on the complex dynamics of gender, power, and representation that continue to shape our understanding of fame and heroism today. The heroes chosen by fame are men on horseback, but in truth the artwork's lasting power comes from the iconic image of motherhood.