Standardization of Weights and Measures in 1683 1784

Nicolai Abildgaard created this artwork, "Standardization of Weights and Measures in 1683," employing plaster relief. At its center sits Justitia, with her scales, a direct descendent from the ancient Greek goddess Dike, embodying moral order and justice, a concept that resonates across millennia. To her left, the blacksmith echoes the archetypal figure of Vulcan, the divine artisan, shaping not just metal but societal norms. Notice how this figure mirrors the Cyclops, and the mythical smiths who forged Zeus' thunderbolts. To her right is a figure carefully measuring liquid in what may be barrels. This echoes symbols of prosperity found in the ancient world, such as the wine jugs in the hands of Bacchus. The act of measurement also reflects an ancient need to quantify our world and, in doing so, control it. This is not merely a depiction of standardization. It is a deep dive into humanity's enduring quest for order, justice, and prosperity, echoing through the ages.