Allegorie op de Constitutie 1772 - 1843

Pieter Hendrik Jonxis created this allegory on the Constitution as an etching. The central figure, seated and regal, is surrounded by classical figures and symbols, each laden with meaning. Consider the scales of justice, held beside a pillar inscribed with 'Constitutie'. This motif echoes through centuries, from ancient depictions of Maat in Egyptian art, to the scales held by Lady Justice today. In both instances they represent balance, fairness, and the rule of law. Yet, the serpent at the base coils, a sign of chaos. The Phrygian cap atop a pole, a symbol of freedom. Such iconography has its roots in ancient Rome, where freed slaves were granted this cap as a sign of their liberty. It then resurfaced during the French Revolution. Observe how these symbols are not static but evolve, carrying echoes of past struggles. The image connects us to a deep, subconscious understanding of justice and liberty, a testament to the enduring power of visual symbols across time.