Allegory Of Justice Punishing Injustice, 1737 

Jean-Marc Nattier painted 'Allegory Of Justice Punishing Injustice' in 1737 with oil on canvas. At first glance, the painting presents a dramatic contrast: the soft, flowing lines of Justice and the contorted figure of Injustice. The subdued color palette heightens the tension, drawing our eyes to the stark difference in texture and form. Nattier uses the semiotic language of his time, embedding codes of power and morality. Justice, draped in white, embodies purity and wields a golden mace, poised to strike. In contrast, Injustice is rendered with dynamic brushstrokes which evoke a sense of chaos and moral corruption, emphasizing the imbalance and discord. The scales, a traditional symbol of justice, lie askew, underscoring the disruption of order caused by injustice. The painting challenges fixed notions, inviting us to reflect on the subjective nature of justice and the role of power in shaping moral narratives. It prompts an ongoing interpretation of what justice truly entails.