Justitia beschermt Onschuld 1836

This 1836 engraving by Henri Van der Haert, titled “Justitia beschermt Onschuld,” depicts the Roman goddess of Justice, Justitia, protecting Innocence. The drawing, housed in the Rijksmuseum, shows Justitia holding scales and a sword, symbols of her role in dispensing justice. She holds a young woman, symbolizing Innocence, in her arms. The engraving’s detailed lines create a sense of realism and highlight the dramatic pose of the figures. The image captures the allegorical concept of justice as a powerful force that protects the innocent. This artwork exemplifies Neoclassicism, a style that drew inspiration from classical Greek and Roman art, evident in the idealized figures and the focus on balance and harmony.