Jurisprudentie 1528 - 1583

Editor: So, this is "Jurisprudentie" by Etienne Delaune, created sometime between 1528 and 1583. It's an engraving, so a print, showcasing an allegorical figure surrounded by ornate details. The mood feels quite formal, even a bit intimidating. What do you see in this piece, beyond the surface level? Curator: Oh, intimidating is a great word! It has a certain gravity, doesn't it? To me, it’s a window into the Renaissance mind. Notice the figure of Justice – holding both a sword and scales, so there is definitely more than one way of judging. What fascinates me are those beastly figures flanking her, almost like gargoyles or perhaps symbols of base human instincts being tamed… or maybe not quite? They are almost comically bizarre. Editor: I hadn't really considered that the beastly figures could be aspects of human nature. The "Jurisprudence" banner above the lions adds to the authoritative effect. Curator: It does! And the lions themselves – regal, powerful, guarding the very concept of law. It all builds to this intricate tapestry of ideas. It makes you think, what *is* justice? Is it purely rational, or are other forces at play? How does it resonate today when “Justice” and “Jurisprudence” has multiple meanings depending on which source one consults? Editor: It’s incredible how much complexity is packed into such a small print. The longer I look, the more questions I have. The whole arrangement is wonderfully organized! Curator: Absolutely! Delaune created more than just a pretty picture; he's sparked a conversation about justice that’s still relevant centuries later. Perhaps one thing the artist hints to, in all its glory, justice is something one must work to keep… constant vigilance. Editor: I think you're right, it's more than just decorative. I feel like I've gotten a glimpse into how people thought about justice back then, the hopes and the fears connected to it. Thank you.