LI Alter alterius poscit opem 1614

This engraving, created around 1600 by Roemer Visscher, captures a delicate balance with its scales and the Latin inscription, "Alter alterius poscit opem," meaning "One helps the other." The scales, emblematic of justice and equilibrium, extend beyond mere legal contexts. The act of balancing can be traced through diverse cultural expressions—from ancient Egyptian depictions of souls weighed against a feather to Renaissance allegories of Prudence. Yet, the inclusion of a sword pierces this classical vision, disrupting the harmony it intends to convey. Consider the sword’s psychoanalytic implications; it embodies not only power but also potential conflict. The image thus oscillates, stirring deep-seated emotional responses—anxiety and the desire for control—resonating within our collective memory. This duality ensures its continuous re-emergence in art. What was once justice is now complicated by the realities of life, inviting perpetual reconsideration.