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The Fair Maiden

Alex Jacobs

About this artwork.

Many of us will recognise this blind female statue as the personification of justice. She is usually depicted as a blindfolded figure in a classical robe, with a sword in her right hand and scales in her left. The blindfolded woman stands 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.

Alex Jacobs shared his interpretation of Lady Justice. His Fair Maiden is a spirited woman wearing high heels, tight-fitting trousers and tailored jacket. In her right hand she firmly holds a sword, while her blue eyes stare off into the distance. The pile of law books under her left foot shows that she is strict yet righteous; she listens to the letter of the law. 

The Fair Maiden is made of bronze that has been treated with a colourful layer of hunting varnish. This combination of materials gives the image a realistic appearance, which is further enhanced by details such as the creases in her clothing and the seams in her boots. The two-metre-high concrete plinth on which she towers above everyone else is made up of small round columns stacked on top of each other like building blocks.  The diversity of colours in the plinth symbolises Jacobs' ideals of community. 

In 2007, Jacobs and his partner Ellemieke Schoenmaker (1968) formed the duo V&B (formerly Villeroy & Boch). Quoting and re-imagining moments from art history is one of the recurring themes in their work.

Part of route.

Location.

Paterswoldseweg 814

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Facts & Figures.