Justice with Sword and Scales [reverse] 1623

Guillaume Dupré created this bronze medal, Justice with Sword and Scales, in 1623 in France. It presents a figure of Justice, seated with a sword and scales, encircled by a Latin inscription. This image reflects a society deeply concerned with law, order, and the administration of justice. The figure's classical garb and the use of Latin evoke the historical weight of Roman law, which served as a model for European legal systems. Justice is both armed and measuring, suggesting the dual nature of law as both punitive and equitable. The medal was likely commissioned by someone with a vested interest in the institutions of justice, perhaps a lawyer, judge, or member of the royal court. Understanding this medal requires delving into the legal history of early modern France, court records, and the biographies of figures involved in the judicial system. These resources could shed light on the specific context in which the image of justice was deployed and what it meant to those who encountered it.