Portret van een (gefantaseerd?) Engels schip met Justitia op de spiegel 1665 - 1693

Willem van de Velde the Elder sketched this English ship with pen in gray and brush around the mid-17th century. Note how the stern is adorned with an elaborate figure of Justitia, the Roman goddess of Justice. Her presence connects us to a long tradition, harking back to ancient Rome where Justitia symbolized moral rectitude. She is often depicted with scales, representing impartiality, and a sword, symbolizing authority. But let us trace her journey through time. In medieval art, we find similar figures embodying justice, often linked to divine law. As the centuries progress, Justitia evolves, appearing in Renaissance allegories and Baroque sculptures, each time adapting to the cultural and artistic currents. Why is this important? Because the subconscious power of archetypes like Justitia transcends mere symbolism. The recurrence of this motif reflects a collective yearning for order and fairness. Van de Velde's choice of Justitia anchors his ship in a symbolic universe, where justice sails alongside maritime power. A fitting reminder of the complex dance between law, morality, and human ambition across the ages.