Mammae 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella created this print titled 'Mammae' sometime in the 17th century using etching. The print depicts Julia Avita Mamaea, a powerful woman in the Roman Empire, not for her political influence, but for her role as a mother, and specifically, as the mother of Emperor Alexander Severus. The inscription emphasizes her virtue, noting she was renowned for instructing her son well and preventing him from participating in the debaucheries of his cousin, Emperor Elagabalus. The representation reflects the societal expectations of women, especially those of high status, as moral guides and educators, responsible for shaping the character of future leaders. It underscores the complex dynamics of power and gender in historical narratives, illustrating how women's influence was often acknowledged within the domestic or maternal sphere. The emotional resonance of this work lies in recognizing the constraints and expectations placed on women, even those in positions of privilege.