Allegorie met Justitia, Pax en Charitas 1588 - 1608

Egbert Jansz's Allegorie met Justitia, Pax en Charitas is a complex engraving which presents a vision of peace, justice, and charity. In the context of the 17th century, these themes were often used to reflect on political and social ideals. Here, the allegory transcends mere symbolism; it becomes a meditation on power, virtue, and their impact on human lives. Justice and Peace are intertwined, signalling a mutual dependence, while Charity, represented by a woman breastfeeding, grounds the scene in the realities of human experience. Above them, an angel descends with a wreath, anointing this union of virtues. However, the presence of Mars, the god of war, subdued at the feet of these allegorical figures, suggests the ever-present tension between conflict and harmony. The subjugation of Mars is not just a victory, but a poignant reminder of the human cost of these ideals. Jansz invites us to consider the emotional and physical labor required to nurture such a world, a labor often gendered and raced. This engraving is not a passive representation but an active construction of values, reflecting both the aspirations and the anxieties of its time.