The Icon in the Courtroom

Justice as a Sign of the Law: The Icon in the Courtroom

The engraved title page of Bernard van Zutphen's Practycke der nederlansche rechten van de daghelijcksche soo civile als criminele (Dutch Law and Practice in Civil and Criminal Matters) depicts a crowded and lively courtroom scene. At the center, the presiding jurist is seated behind a table and beneath a small statue of Justice, who holds scales and a sword; her thin blindfold is dimly visible. The densely populated courtroom, with seats filled by men, includes some spectators focusing on the court proceedings and others chatting -- with dogs at their feet.

Syndicate content