The Birth and Infancy of St. Stephen (detail) 1465

Filippo Lippi painted this fresco of the birth and infancy of St. Stephen during the Early Renaissance, a time when humanist values were reshaping art and society. Here, domestic intimacy intertwines with the divine. The painting depicts not only motherhood but also a complex set of social roles for women in the 15th century. On one hand, motherhood was valorized. On the other hand, women were expected to maintain a chaste, demure disposition. A winged figure presents St. Stephen to his mother. The figure does not quite fit the traditional imagery of an angel. Its dark hue might be interpreted as an attempt to represent the multifaceted roles that women embody. This fresco provides insight into the social expectations placed upon women, while acknowledging their strength. It’s an intimate look at the intersection of gender, spirituality, and the everyday.