Allegorie op de rechtvaardigheid 1702 - 1767

Jacob Folkema created this print titled "Allegory on Justice" sometime in the 18th century. It's an etching, a medium that lends itself to intricate detail and the reproduction of complex allegorical scenes. Here, we see Justice personified as a woman with scales and a sword, symbols that would have resonated deeply in the Dutch Republic, a society built on laws and trade. The lion beneath her feet could be a reference to the Dutch national symbol, representing strength tempered by fairness. Above, cherubs hold shields, perhaps representing the various provinces or cities bound together by a common legal framework. The detailed landscape in the background suggests a prosperous and ordered society, while the crumbling masks at the bottom right hint at the dangers of deception and injustice. Prints like these were not merely decorative, but rather served as visual reminders of the values that underpinned Dutch society. Examining legal documents, political pamphlets, and civic records from the period helps us decode these symbols and better understand their intended message. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork is inextricably linked to the social and institutional context in which it was created and consumed.