The cardinal virtue of Justice represented by a seated woman holding a pair of scales and a sword (possibly a modern impression) 1475 - 1485

This print of the cardinal virtue of Justice was made by an anonymous artist, likely using a metal plate. The fine, closely-hatched lines are typical of the intaglio process, where ink sits within the engraved furrows of the plate. Consider the labor involved in producing this image. Each line was manually incised, demanding immense skill and time. This level of precision gives the figure of Justice a sense of gravity and authority, befitting her role. The texture achieved through this process is unique; the density of the lines creates a visual depth, emphasizing the folds of her garment and the glint of the sword. This print, while small, carries significant social weight. Justice, a virtue crucial for societal order, is rendered through a meticulous, labor-intensive process. The contrast between the weighty subject and the delicate, almost painstaking execution invites us to reflect on the effort required to uphold ideals of fairness. It makes you wonder about the politics of image making, and who had access to this image.