Justitia and Aequitas Georg Engelhard Schröder (1684-1750)

The composition presents a female figure seated on what appears to be a draped throne or elevated platform. She is centrally positioned against a dark, indistinct background that contributes to her prominence and isolates her from any specific setting. The woman wears elaborate attire: a flowing gown of orange and gold hues, adorned with delicate lace at the neckline and sleeves, and topped with a crown signifying authority or divine status. A sword rests across her lap, held diagonally, suggesting power and potentially, righteous judgment.
Her expression is serene yet resolute; she gazes directly outward, establishing a connection with the viewer. The most striking element of the painting is the presence of a small, nude child positioned to her right. This infant holds a set of scales in his hands, carefully balanced. The scales are an unambiguous symbol of justice and impartiality.
The artist’s use of light emphasizes the figures face and upper body, drawing attention to her expression and the symbolic objects she interacts with. The darker tones surrounding her create a sense of solemnity and weightiness, reinforcing the gravity of the themes being explored.
Subtly, the juxtaposition of the mature, regal woman and the innocent child suggests a generational transmission of values or principles. It could be interpreted as representing the enduring nature of justice – passed down through time, embodied in both authority and vulnerability. The sword signifies the potential for forceful action when necessary, while the scales represent the careful deliberation required to achieve fairness. The overall effect is one of dignified composure combined with a quiet assertion of power and responsibility.