Allegorie op gerechtigheid met Justitia en Mars en Mercurius 1765

Barent de Bakker etched this allegory on justice, featuring Justitia, Mars, and Mercurius. Note how Justitia is blindfolded, holding scales and a laurel wreath, and Mars holds a spear and shield; these are icons of power and impartiality, deeply rooted in classical antiquity. We find Justitia's scales echoed in ancient Egyptian depictions of weighing the heart against the feather of Ma'at, a motif of moral balance, and even today.   Look at Mercurius, the Roman god of trade and communication, and how he is depicted here with his caduceus, a symbol often associated with commerce and negotiation. Observe how the caduceus, with its entwined snakes, bears a striking resemblance to the Rod of Asclepius, a Greek symbol of medicine. Through the ages, the caduceus has undergone a fascinating transformation, often mistakenly used as a symbol of healing, reminding us how symbols evolve, accumulating layers of meaning through collective memory and occasional misinterpretation. This emblem, with its complex history, reveals the psyche's tendency to seek connections, blending disparate concepts into a cohesive whole, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. See how it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.