De Wijsheid en de Rechtvaardigheid 1771 - 1772

Louis Marin Bonnet created this artwork, "De Wijsheid en de Rechtvaardigheid," which presents us with Wisdom and Justice, allegorical figures laden with symbols. Wisdom, holding a set square, a symbol of reason and precision, is seated next to Justice who holds a stylus over a tablet. A cherubic child sits in the foreground. Observe the scales of justice barely visible behind the child. This emblem, seen since ancient Egypt, represents balance and impartiality. Consider its echo in works by Renaissance masters, where Justice ensures moral order. The blindfold often seen is notably absent here. The maternal gaze of Justice combined with the presence of the child may speak to mercy tempering the law. Such symbols are not static; they evolve. The set square, once a simple tool, gains layers of meaning through its use in masonic and other esoteric traditions. Similarly, scales, from the ancient world to modern courtrooms, remind us of humanity’s enduring quest for order and fairness. These images, charged with cultural memory, evoke deep psychological responses, engaging us in a timeless dialogue about morality and truth. Through Bonnet's print, we witness how symbols persist, adapt, and continue to shape our understanding.