Drawing of Female Statue with Sword and Scale 18th century

This drawing of a female statue with sword and scale, made with pen and black ink on off-white laid paper, presents a compelling image laden with socio-political undertones. The figure is allegorical, likely representing Justice, a common symbol found in many Western legal systems, and we can trace such representations back to ancient Roman and Greek societies, where law and order were central to the functioning of the state. This figure reflects a specific, perhaps idealized, vision of justice. Was it made in a period where the judicial system was under scrutiny? Is the subject conservative or progressive? The artist is unknown, but by exploring similar images, objects, and documents from the time it was made, we can get a better understanding of the social context surrounding the image.