Lady Justice (Vrouwe Justitia)

About this artwork.

This former court building dates back to the 15th century, when it was the residence of the Van Ewsum family. It was then in 1775, after major renovation works, that this residential building became a courthouse During the renovation, one of the large windows was turned into the main entrance, elaborately carved out of stone and adorned with a statue of Lady Justice.

Many of us will recognise this blind female statue as the personification of justice. She is usually depicted with a sword in her right hand and scales in her left. The blindfold or – in this case – her closed eyes stand before justice without regard for the person; it is not the people who are heard and condemned, but only the facts and deeds relating to their alleged crime. The scales represent the weighing of evidence and testimony, and the sword represents the verdict.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Petrus Ackermans

• District
  Centrum

• Art type
  Art in / on a building

• Material
  Sandstone

• Dimensions
  h 1,35 x b 0,45 m