Mildheid en Rechtvaardigheid overwinnen Kwaad 1728

This anonymous print presents an allegory where gentleness and justice overcome evil. The central image shows Justitia, the personification of Justice, alongside another figure who represents Mildness. These virtues stand triumphant, framed by a circle inscribed with Latin text and adorned with lions—symbols of strength and courage. Lions, from ancient Mesopotamian art to heraldic emblems, have always embodied power and sovereignty. But consider, these are not merely lions of might; their placement suggests a protective role, guardians of moral virtues. We find echoes of this symbolic juxtaposition—strength tempered by justice—in Renaissance emblems and Baroque allegories, illustrating a recurring human desire to reconcile power with ethical governance. Such imagery resonates deeply, tapping into collective memories of order and chaos, virtue and vice, engaging our subconscious yearning for a balanced world. The lions here, therefore, are not just decorative; they are potent carriers of a cultural and psychological legacy. This image reflects the cyclical journey of symbols—reappearing, evolving, and adapting across time.