Het aanbieden van het Smeekschrift aan de hertogin van Parma, 1566 1619 - 1621

This etching, made in 1566 by an anonymous artist, captures the moment the Petition was presented to the Duchess of Parma. Note the statue of Justice overseeing the event, blindfolded, holding scales—an ancient symbol of impartiality and lawfulness. We see her echoed across time, from Roman coins to Renaissance paintings. Justice is not merely a concept but a powerful, recurring motif. Yet, consider its evolution: in ancient depictions, she might carry a sword, representing swift retribution. Here, the scales emphasize balance and deliberation, reflecting a shift in societal values towards reasoned judgment. This symbol, deeply embedded in our collective memory, speaks to our perpetual quest for order and fairness. The emotional weight of this quest engages us on a subconscious level. Justice’s presence is a silent yet potent force in this historical tableau. Such symbols reveal the non-linear progression of cultural memory, resurfacing and evolving across contexts.