A LIBERAL MEASURE 

John Leech created this pen and ink drawing titled 'A Liberal Measure'. The prominent scales, towering over a gentleman in a top hat, immediately evoke a sense of evaluation and judgement. This juxtaposition of individuals and the act of measurement echoes through time, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian weighing of the heart ceremonies, where a person's soul was judged by its weight against the feather of Ma'at. The scales in Leech's image also remind us of the classical figure of Justitia, or Lady Justice, her scales representing the balance of fairness and equity. Over centuries, this symbol has shifted in meaning, becoming less about divine judgement and more about secular, legal assessments. The emotional weight of being measured, whether by societal standards or personal expectations, is a potent force. This speaks to our collective anxiety of being assessed, the subconscious fear of being found wanting. Leech's commentary cleverly taps into this unease, a sentiment that continues to resonate today, as we are constantly evaluated by unseen metrics.