Allegorical Scene 1500 - 1600

This allegorical scene was created with pen and brown ink by an anonymous artist. The piece invites us to consider how justice and virtue were conceived in early modern Europe. At the top, Justice sits enthroned on clouds, wielding a sword and scales—traditional symbols of her authority. She’s attended by cherubs, framing her as a divine figure. Below, we see other allegorical figures representing virtues like Prudence, holding a mirror, and Charity, surrounded by children. The detailed linework and idealized figures reflect the influence of classical and Renaissance ideals which were often used to legitimize power structures. The absence of a known artist complicates our understanding. Was this artist a member of the privileged elite, or did they belong to a marginalized group? The work seems to promote the values of the ruling class, yet it also invites us to reflect on who gets to define these virtues and whose interests they ultimately serve. Think about how these allegorical representations might have been used to shape public opinion and reinforce social hierarchies. How do these historical representations resonate with contemporary ideas about justice and virtue?