Allegory of March – Triumph of Minerva and Sign of Aries. Frescos in Palazzo Schifanoia (detail) 1470

This fresco detail, "Allegory of March - Triumph of Minerva and Sign of Aries," was painted in 1470 by Francesco del Cossa. It is part of a larger cycle of frescoes depicting the months of the year in the Sala dei Mesi of the Palazzo Schifanoia in Ferrara, Italy. The fresco exemplifies the humanist aesthetic of the early Renaissance, combining classical mythology with contemporary references. Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, leads a triumphal procession, symbolized by her chariot drawn by horses. The figure of Aries, the astrological sign associated with March, is also prominently featured, indicating the month's connection to the spring equinox. The scene is full of symbolism and detail, offering viewers a glimpse into the rich cultural and intellectual life of Renaissance Italy.