Allegory of Justice and Prudence 1600

Bartholomeus Spranger, a Netherlandish painter working for the Habsburg court in Prague, created this oil on copper panel called *Allegory of Justice and Prudence*. Made sometime in the late 16th century, the painting is an example of the Northern Mannerist style. This style emerged in response to the High Renaissance, and it often featured elongated figures in complex, artificial poses meant to display the artist’s virtuosity. More specifically, the painting promotes the virtues necessary for good governance. Justice is shown with a sword, ready to defend the innocent and punish the guilty, and Prudence is accompanied by a serpent, symbolizing wisdom and foresight. These allegorical figures were meant to remind the viewer of the importance of moral principles in political life. As historians, our understanding of the political role of art deepens when we research the cultural and institutional contexts in which they were created. Scholarly articles, biographies of artists, and historical documents can shed light on these allegories of justice and reveal their meanings and implications.