Venetia between Justitia and Pax 1577

Paolo Veronese painted *Venetia between Justitia and Pax* in the 16th century. He was working in Venice during a time when the city-state was at the height of its power as a center for trade and culture. In this oil painting, Veronese uses allegory to represent Venice enthroned between the figures of Justice, with her sword, and Peace, offering an olive branch. Below them, a lion—a symbol of Venice—is being subdued. The painting can be seen to be a symbolic representation of Venice's identity as a powerful and civilized state, one that maintains order and peace through the use of law and diplomacy. It is also worth considering that these allegorical figures—Justice and Peace—are depicted as women, which says something about the gendered ideals that underpinned Venetian society. The emotional impact is subtle, yet one can still sense the pride and power that Veronese sought to convey about Venice through the artwork. Ultimately, the painting offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of power, identity, and representation in Renaissance Venice.