Justice, an allegorical figure holding a balance in her left hand and a sword in her right, from "The Seven Virtues and Knowledge" 1579

Curator: Here we have an engraving from 1579 by Jan Wierix, titled “Justice, an allegorical figure holding a balance in her left hand and a sword in her right, from "The Seven Virtues and Knowledge". It’s part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. My first impression is of almost austere formality… do you sense that, too? Editor: I see her and feel the weight of responsibility, almost the loneliness of that position. She’s burdened by these symbols: sword and scales. Curator: Exactly. Wierix meticulously renders her with the tools of justice in hand: scales representing impartiality and the sword signifying power and, if necessary, punishment. It’s that Northern Renaissance eye for detail—you can almost feel the coolness of the metal. Editor: The scales strike me; not as a mere symbol of objectivity, but also humanity. Justice, as we’ve idealized it, isn't some blind, robotic application of law. She is contemplating. Her gaze is downward and she doesn’t quite brandish that sword—it suggests considered judgment, or at least that's what I get. Curator: Perhaps it is a more merciful Justice than typically portrayed, even considering the conventions of 16th century allegorical representation. It almost invites you to pause and reflect on its purpose in relation to her. Editor: Definitely. I notice too the rather unkempt landscape surrounding her and almost blurring into the trees behind; that seems in line with her expression of concern and introspection. As if to remind you justice also comes with some costs. Curator: That cost could also involve some degree of unpredictability or even conflict, but you're right. There’s a tension between the precision of the scales and sword, and the slightly wild background which I feel reinforces that feeling of weighing choices and thinking about inevitable outcomes, intended or otherwise. It would be really interesting to explore the broader series and see the other Virtues depicted in the artist's unique hand. Editor: Indeed, one small engraving opens so many interesting pathways... I will need time to process what Justice means.