Allegory of Justice
Artist: Luca Giordano (Italian, 1634 - 1705)
Original Dimensions: 39 3/8" x 37 3/4"
Location: National Gallery of Art, London
About Artwork: (Early 1680s) "This modello, or detailed oil study, is one of a group of 12 that Giordano made in preparation for the ceiling frescoes in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in 1682–85. Ten of the modelli are in the National Gallery'?s collection, and this one represents ?one of the four Cardinal Virtues. First identified by the philosopher Plato, these were later adopted by the Roman Catholic Church. A different Virtue is depicted in each corner of the ceiling. Justice, holding her scales and sword, is borne by an ostrich. To the right are Punishment, with his sword turned down, and Recompense. In the left-hand corner is the masked and serpent-tailed figure of Deceit. On the right are Strife, and Discord with his bellows. The flying figures above represent the rewards of Justice, from left to right: Order (with a shield and spear), Fame and Security." - (National Gallery of Art, London)

Panel content
Panel content