Peace Holding an Olive Branch and Helmet [reverse] 1463

Francesco Laurana created this bronze medal, “Peace Holding an Olive Branch and Helmet,” in 1463. The Renaissance was a period marked by renewed interest in classical antiquity and the rise of humanism, influencing artistic representations of the female form. Here, the figure of peace is not merely allegorical, but embodies a set of complex negotiations. The olive branch and discarded helmet represent the transition from conflict to harmony, yet peace is depicted as a woman, embodying the gendered expectations of that era. This raises questions about women’s roles as peacekeepers versus their exclusion from positions of power. Laurana’s choice to depict Peace as a classical, almost idealized figure, is a reflection of the cultural values of his time. Yet, it also introduces a dialogue about whose peace is being represented, and at what cost. The emotional resonance of the artwork lies in its quiet optimism and invitation to reflect on the multifaceted layers of historical narratives.