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

Francesco del Cossa painted this fresco, Allegory of March, as part of a series in the Palazzo Schifanoia. The image is dominated by the figure of Minerva, rendered in bright red, seated regally atop a robust Aries figure. This juxtaposition of a mythological deity with a zodiac symbol immediately strikes the eye, set against a muted blue background. The composition suggests a layered narrative, typical of Renaissance frescoes. Cossa masterfully uses the contrast between the dynamic energy of Aries, depicted in full stride, and Minerva’s serene, almost detached pose. This contrast isn't merely aesthetic; it reflects a deeper engagement with humanist ideals, blending classical mythology with contemporary astrological beliefs. The very act of placing Minerva—goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare—in the context of a zodiac sign challenges fixed meanings, suggesting that even divine figures are subject to cosmic forces. Consider how Cossa employs colour and form to convey complex philosophical ideas. This interplay between the aesthetic and the intellectual exemplifies how Renaissance art challenged and expanded existing cultural and philosophical discourses.