Medichesse

Erika Maderna traces the evolution of women's medical and herbal culture from preclassical antiquity to the Italian Renaissance, revealing the variety of nuances: goddesses, pythias, sorceresses, midwives, herbalists, doctors, vestals, saints, alchemists and witches all represented various facets of the same face. A perhaps surprising representation of female autonomy, but one that was nonetheless painstakingly won.

Erika Maderna, is a graduate in Classical Literature from the University of Pavia, specialising in archaeology. She writes articles, translations and essays on classical culture and archaeology. With Aboca Edizioni she has published: Aromi sacri, fragranze profane. Simboli, mitologie e passioni profumatorie nel mondo antico (2009), Le mani degli dèi. Mitologie e simboli delle piante officinali nel mito greco (2016), Per virtù d’erbe e d’incanti. La medicina delle streghe (2018) and Con grazia di tocco e di parola. La medicina delle sante (2019).