Allegory of Justice by Giorgio Vasari

You can watch this canvas for hours, so complicated, complicated and filled with symbols this extremely fanciful multi-figure composition. In its center is placed the figure of a woman with a bare chest – a symbolic image of Themis, the goddess of justice, who has nothing to hide or be ashamed of.

This woman is dressed in a very original outfit, which has something in common with a warrior’s clothing-high sandals resemble leggings, a headdress is a magnificently decorated helmet, and chains come from the belt, to which are riveted figures at the feet of Themis. These people trampled by it are punished criminals, men and women, languishing under the burden of their sins. Themis is not only a symbol of justice, it is surrounded on all sides by a complex, sometimes doubly interpreted symbolism. With one hand she rests on a huge bird – an ostrich, a symbol of avoiding problems.

In the same hand, she holds a thin rod, topped with a golden lion figure – it’s more like a scepter, a symbol of her power over all people. The other hand of Themis crowns the young girl with doves in her hands – it can be a symbol of Innocence, an innocent victim, or a triumphant Justice. .

At the same time, a pair of pigeons designate matrimonial fidelity and love. The figure of the gray-bearded old man standing behind the Themis is even more interesting. He has wings on his head, which means soul, vitality and supernatural wisdom. Well, and the trio of ubiquitous “putti” supplements this complex, but very interesting and unusual picture.