The artwork titled “Justice” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder was created approximately between 1556 and 1560. It is an engraving on paper and belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. This artwork is part of the “The Vices and the Virtues” series and serves as an allegorical painting.
The artwork depicts a densely populated scene filled with various activities that relate to the theme of justice. In the foreground, numerous figures engage in different acts, including public punishments and judicial procedures, while various forms of execution and corporal punishment are seen in the background. The detailed engraving captures the harsh and often brutal practices of justice during that period, with individuals in different states of distress and punishment. The central focus is on a grand staircase leading to a platform where a figure appears to be addressing the crowd, symbolizing the administration of law and order. The intricate and meticulous design reflects the complex nature of justice and its societal implications during the Northern Renaissance.
