Justice, from the Cardinal Virtues 1648 - 1656

This engraving, "Justice" by Nicolaes de Bruyn, presents us with a figure embodying the virtue of Justice, rendered with meticulous detail. Notice how Justice is blindfolded, a symbol dating back to Roman depictions of Fortuna, representing impartiality. She holds a sword, signifying authority and the power to enforce decisions, and scales, representing fairness and balance. The scales, an ancient symbol linked to the Egyptian goddess Ma'at, connect us to the very foundations of civilization and the human desire for order. The blindfold, while intending to convey fairness, can also be interpreted as ignorance, a kind of willful blindness to the complexities of human nature. This tension between knowledge and ignorance, power and impartiality, engages us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the delicate balance required to administer true justice. The image of Justice, sword in hand and eyes covered, continues to evolve, adapting to each new cultural landscape. As we move forward, may we remember the weight of these symbols and the profound emotional and psychological impact they continue to hold.