Plate 7: Allegory of Justice with griffin of Manlius Toquatus, from Barberinae aulae fornix 1672 - 1682

This engraving, titled *Plate 7: Allegory of Justice with griffin of Manlius Toquatus, from Barberinae aulae fornix,* intricately depicts Justice, framed by symbolic figures. Created during a period where art was deeply intertwined with power and patronage, the Barberini family—to whom the print refers—were among the most influential in Rome. Justice, often portrayed as a woman, embodies complex societal expectations of fairness. Yet, the presence of the griffin and other classical figures suggests an idealized vision of justice, one perhaps more aligned with the interests of the elite than the realities of everyday life for the majority. These symbols create a visual language that was well understood by the educated elite of the time. While the artist remains anonymous, we can still consider how the artwork reflects the social and political structures of its time. The allegory prompts us to think about who defines justice, whose interests it serves, and how these representations shape our understanding of virtue and power.