Bernardo Strozzi – The Madonna of Justice Part 2 Louvre

The composition presents a central female figure enthroned amidst swirling clouds, bathed in a diffused light emanating from above. She holds a child on her lap, who gestures with a small cross held aloft. Below them, another winged cherub supports an open book inscribed with Latin text. The scene is set against a dark, undefined background that emphasizes the figures’ luminosity and spatial separation.
The womans expression conveys serenity and authority; she gazes directly outward, establishing a connection with the viewer. Her garments are rich in texture and color – a deep blue mantle draped over a white underdress – suggesting dignity and importance. The child’s posture is one of active participation, his raised cross symbolizing faith and divine grace.
The presence of the open book is significant. The inscription SV LEX PRESES MATO (likely an abbreviation for a longer phrase) suggests a connection to law or legal proceedings; it implies that the woman embodies principles of justice and righteousness. The cherub’s support of this text reinforces its importance, positioning it as a foundational element of the scenes meaning.
The dark background is not merely a backdrop but contributes to the painting’s overall effect. It creates a sense of depth and mystery, isolating the figures within a realm that transcends earthly concerns. The swirling clouds further enhance this otherworldly atmosphere, suggesting divine intervention or revelation.
The inclusion of symbolic elements – the cross, the book with its legal inscription, and the cherubic figures – indicates a complex interplay between religious devotion, moral authority, and perhaps even civic responsibility. The painting appears to be more than just a depiction of maternal tenderness; it presents a figure embodying principles of justice and divine law, presented in an elevated and reverent manner.