Toneel met personificatie van de Rechtvaardigheid (Justitia), 1578 1578 - 1579

Antoni van Leest created this small engraving called 'Toneel met personificatie van de Rechtvaardigheid', or 'Scene with the personification of Justice,' in 1578. It reflects the tumultuous era of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, a time when ideas about justice and governance were hotly contested. In this print, Justice appears on a stage-like structure, evoking the theatrics often surrounding legal proceedings. She is blindfolded, holding both a sword and scales, symbolizing impartiality and the balance between punishment and fairness. The image speaks to the complexities of justice, particularly during times of conflict and political upheaval. Consider how the concept of justice is staged here. Is it a performance for the public, or a genuine pursuit of equity? The print invites us to reflect on the gap between the ideal of justice and its often flawed execution. It captures a moment in history when the very concept of justice was being redefined, amid the struggle for independence and self-governance.