Allegorische voorstelling met Justitia 1683 - 1727

This engraving, made by Claude Duflos in the late 17th or early 18th century, presents an allegorical representation of Justitia, the embodiment of justice. In its time, the image would have been deeply embedded in the complex political and social landscape of France, reflecting the absolutist reign of Louis XIV and its impact on legal and social structures. The figure of Justitia herself, draped in classical robes, surrounded by cherubic figures, and framed by imposing architectural elements, speaks to the visual language of power prevalent at the time. Note how she’s holding the scales and sword. Justice is supposedly blind, but is it really? To understand this print more fully, we might consult legal and political documents from the era, exploring the extent to which the ideal of justice was upheld, or challenged, in contemporary society. We can use these resources to reflect on how art acts as a visual commentary on the social structures of its time.