Justice (from the Tarocchi, series B: Cosmic Principles & Virtues, #37)

before 1467
(Italian, 15th century)
Catalogue raisonné: Hind E.I. 37a
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: not on view

Download, Print and Share

Description

This engraving is part of the group marked with the letter “B,” and named Cosmic Principles and the Virtues, which comprises the three Universal principles (Light, Time, and Space) alongside the three theological virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity) and the four cardinal ones (Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice). The latter were regarded as the basic Christian principles required for a virtuous life.

Here, Iusticia (Justice) is personified as a full-length female figure holding up a sword and a scale in her right and left hand, respectively. These two attributes allude to the determination of right and wrong, and to her power to punish. Justice is always vigilant as her symbol, the crane. Medieval texts narrate that crane sentinels are given stones to hold in their claws in order to verify their careful night watch for danger. If they fall asleep, they drop the stone, and ultimately reveal their neglect of duty. In this engraving, a crane takes place next to Justice, and keeps a firm clasp on a rock.
Justice (from the Tarocchi, series B: Cosmic Principles & Virtues, #37)

Justice (from the Tarocchi, series B: Cosmic Principles & Virtues, #37)

before 1467

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

(Italian, 15th century)
Italy, Ferrara, 15th century

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.