Andiron with figure of Ceres (allegory of Peace) (one of a pair) 17th century

Girolamo Campagna created this bronze andiron, featuring Ceres as an allegory of peace, in the late 16th or early 17th century. Campagna was working in Venice, during a time when the city was a major center for art and culture, but also a complex social and political landscape. The figure of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, fertility, and motherhood, embodies a vision of peace deeply entwined with the productivity and nurturing power of the land. In this way, Ceres transcends a simple symbol; she is a figure through which early modern viewers could contemplate the connections between social stability, gender roles, and natural abundance. Consider how the choice of Ceres, a female deity, subtly challenges or reinforces contemporary patriarchal norms. As you reflect on this andiron, think about how historical representations shape our understanding of peace and prosperity today.