Justice c. 18th century

Editor: This is Stefano Mulinari's "Justice," from the 18th century. I'm struck by her veiled head and the severity of the sword. What can you tell me about the social context that might have influenced Mulinari’s portrayal? Curator: Well, consider the Enlightenment. Justice, as a concept, was being interrogated. How does Mulinari present Justice? Is she a figure of power, or is there vulnerability in her veiled face, suggesting the inherent biases within legal systems? Editor: I see what you mean. The veil could represent a blindness to true equality, despite the sword. Curator: Exactly. Does the image invite us to question who benefits from this idealized "Justice", and who is excluded or harmed? It's a powerful commentary, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. It really reframes my understanding of the piece. Curator: It's about engaging with history, not just admiring it.