Allegorische voorstelling met Aarde en Gerechtigheid 1628 - 1670

Pieter de Jode the Younger created this allegorical representation with Earth and Justice in the 17th century using engraving techniques. The eye is drawn to the juxtaposition of figures and symbols, meticulously arranged to convey a complex idea. Justice, identifiable by her scales and sword, stands rigidly on the right, while Earth is being crowned. This structural opposition highlights a tension between earthly governance and divine order. The lines are precise, delineating each figure and object with clarity. The contrast between light and shadow creates a sense of depth, further emphasizing the symbolic weight of each element. The piece prompts us to consider how power, morality, and the natural world intersect within the socio-political discourse of the time. The snakes under Justice's feet could be perceived as deceit and falsehood; she stands above those. The symbols of power and judgment—crown, globe, scales—are not merely decorative, but actively engage in a dialogue about legitimacy and authority. These elements, combined with the visual structure of the artwork, form a network of signs that invite us to question and interpret the values underpinning 17th-century society.