Rechtvaardigheid (Justitia) 1585 - 1637

This anonymous engraving presents Justitia, the embodiment of justice, armed with her iconic sword and scales. These aren't mere props; they are ancient symbols resonating with millennia of human yearning for order. Justitia’s sword, poised and ready, recalls the Roman concept of "ius gladii" – the power to execute justice, a concept that echoes in the executioner’s blade of the medieval era. The scales, meticulously balanced, find their origins in ancient Egypt, where the hearts of the dead were weighed against the feather of Ma'at, truth itself. This act speaks to our deep-seated, often subconscious, desire for fairness and equilibrium. The enduring image of Justitia engages us on a primal level. Her steady gaze reminds us of the heavy burden of responsibility inherent in the act of judgment. This image, passed down through generations, embodies our collective aspirations for a balanced and equitable world.