Justice 1650 - 1651

Artus Quellinus created this terracotta sculpture, Justice, in the 17th century. Terracotta, meaning "baked earth" in Italian, is a coarse, porous clay that has been used for sculpture since ancient times. The reddish-brown color and slightly rough texture of the clay give the sculpture a warm, tactile quality. Quellinus likely built up the figure gradually, adding coils and slabs of clay, refining the surface with tools to create the flowing drapery and serene expression. We can imagine Quellinus in his studio, surrounded by the tools of his trade, carefully manipulating the clay to bring his vision to life. Terracotta, while a humble material, allowed Quellinus to achieve a remarkable level of detail and expression. It’s a reminder that great art can be made from the simplest of materials, elevated by the skill and vision of the artist. Appreciating the materiality and making of this sculpture allows us to move beyond traditional distinctions between high art and craft.