Rechtvaardigheid (Justitia) 1585 - 1589

This is Jacob Matham’s “Rechtvaardigheid (Justitia)”, an engraving made around the late 16th or early 17th century. Immediately, one notices how Matham orchestrates the composition around the figure of Justitia, who dominates the pictorial space with her monumental presence. The lines are precise, creating a texture that defines both the soft drapery and the metallic sheen of the sword and scales she holds. This contrast underscores a theme central to Matham's technique: the interplay between opposing forces, like justice and mercy. Justitia isn’t simply a representation; she's a study in contrasts. One hand holds the scales of justice, while the other wields a sword, each balanced to convey equilibrium. We see how Matham’s engravings capture the essence of an era grappling with humanist ideals and the complexities of law and morality. Note the Latin inscription at the bottom; it reflects the period’s engagement with classical thought. Matham invites us to examine not just the surface of the artwork, but the deeper structures that inform its meaning and our understanding of justice itself.