An Allegory of Truth and Justice; a naked woman in the center seated on a cloud holding a set of scales, a putto above, the Medici Coat of Arms at lower right 1628

This engraving by Cherubino Alberti, made in the late 16th or early 17th century, allegorizes truth and justice through classical imagery. Produced during the Counter-Reformation, a period of renewed religious and political conservatism in Europe, the artwork reflects ideals of order and virtue. At the center, a nude female figure seated on clouds holds scales, symbolizing justice and fairness. Her nudity signifies truth, unveiled and pure. Above her, a putto with a wreath suggests divine approval or triumph. The Medici coat of arms in the lower right indicates patronage or dedication, linking these virtues to the powerful Medici family of Florence. It’s difficult to ignore the gendered aspects of this allegory. How might we read the representation of Justice as a nude woman? Does it uphold or challenge the conventional representations of female virtue? Consider how this artwork, with its blend of classical and Christian symbolism, served to reinforce societal hierarchies and moral values during a time of significant religious and political upheaval. The emotional impact lies in its idealized vision of justice, tempered by an awareness of the power dynamics at play.