A Moonlit scene depicting the Areopagite judged of Athens, from Thronus Justitiae, tredecim pulcherrimus tabulis..., plate 8 1605

Willem van Swanenburg’s etching, “A Moonlit scene depicting the Areopagite judged of Athens,” is a dramatic depiction of a pivotal moment in Athenian history. Part of a series called *Thronus Justitiae*, the print depicts the Areopagus, an ancient Athenian court that judged serious offenses and, in this image, a man being judged under the watchful eye of the moon. This detailed print exemplifies the Baroque style, with its strong contrasts of light and dark, and the dramatic composition. Swanenburg's use of deep shadows, particularly the one cast by the central figure, highlights the serious nature of the proceedings, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.