Justice c. 1560

Editor: This is Pieter Bruegel the Elder's "Justice," an undated print at the Harvard Art Museums. It's incredibly detailed, but also quite disturbing. What historical context shaped Bruegel's depiction of justice here? Curator: Bruegel lived during a time of great social and religious upheaval. This print is a commentary on the brutal realities of the legal system, reflecting the stark disparities in power and the often-performative nature of punishment. Notice how the act of justice unfolds publicly, becoming a spectacle for the masses. Editor: It does seem like a public display. Is it meant to be critical of this type of justice? Curator: Absolutely. Bruegel uses the print to lay bare how justice often served to reinforce existing social hierarchies. Consider the engraving's composition and its commentary on the futility of violence within a system riddled with injustice. Editor: So, beyond the literal depiction of legal proceedings, it’s a critique of societal power structures? Curator: Precisely. It makes you wonder, who benefits from this spectacle, and who is truly served by this system of justice? Editor: That's something to consider. I'll definitely look at Bruegel’s work with that perspective from now on.