Unjust Judge c. 16th century

Curator: This is "Unjust Judge" by Battista Angolo del Moro, created around the mid-16th century. The scene crackles with tension. What strikes you first? Editor: The dog in the foreground, howling—a visceral symbol of injustice, almost ripped from a nightmare. Its fur seems to bristle with righteous fury. Curator: Angolo del Moro was working within a well-established tradition of moralizing imagery. Notice how the judge sits elevated, seemingly indifferent. Editor: Absolutely. The judge, enthroned with his back to the barren landscape, symbolizes a perversion of justice. Even the laurel wreath beside him seems tainted. Curator: The composition cleverly contrasts the powerful with the vulnerable. The artist uses allegory to critique abuse of power prevalent in society at the time. Editor: The use of the dog, a symbol of loyalty, underscores the scene's betrayal. The downtrodden figures on the right, their faces etched with despair, are heartbreaking. This image still resonates powerfully today. Curator: Indeed. It’s a stark reminder of the enduring struggle for ethical governance and the social impact of its failures, rendered here through a very particular visual language. Editor: Angolo del Moro, through a timeless iconography, creates a vivid depiction of corrupted authority.