Globus cruciger

[Bluetoes101]

Again we have a situation here where the head would be interpreted as male, but the figure has (VM-atypical) breasts.

Could it be possible this is mocking the papacy given we may know which side of the Guelphs and Ghibellines argument the artist favoured? 

Some ChatGPT stuff; 

Satirical Depictions of the Pope as a Woman

1. The Legend of Pope Joan:
   • One of the most prominent historical sources of satire against the papacy involves Pope Joan, a legendary figure purported to have been a woman disguised as a man who ascended to the papal throne. By the 15th century, the story was widely known and used in polemics against the church, particularly by critics who sought to highlight perceived weaknesses or corruptions of the papacy.
     
   • Depictions of Pope Joan were used to mock the authority of the pope, though they were not explicitly tied to the Guelphs and Ghibellines conflict.
     

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Top right is a 1474 image of "Pope Joan" depicted as a man giving birth. 

"From the 13th century the story appears in literature, including the works of the Benedictine chronicler You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. and the Italian humanists You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. and You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view..

In the 15th century, Joan’s existence was regarded as fact, even by the You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. in 1415."

Just had a very brief search about.. will have a proper look if it seems at all possible after work