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Justitia by Karen Chappelow 96x216cm original acrylic and ink artwork on canvas framed

Lady Justice-Lustitia-Justitia

Is a goddess figure originating in Greece (Dike), Egypt (Maat)and Rome (Justitia/Lustitia) she is symbolised holding scales in her left-hand signifying how she decides our justice by thoroughly weighing evidence and claims presented before her. She was blindfolded in the mid-16^th century to further symbolise that justice should be rendered without passion or prejudice. My glasses represent a modern-day version by also a halfway point from the no blindfold and to her wearing a complete blackout over her eyes.

The sword in her right hand signifies that justice is swift and final as swords being the historical symbol of authority and power. The sword is inscribed with the Latin words “feminist ut irrumabo” which translated means “feminist as f**k”.

I have extended the symbolism to incorporate equality with the scales holding the 3 major requirements of equality those being Social, Economic and Political. All letters to compose those words are present on the dice.

Colours have long been used in symbolism, those colours associated with gender equality began around 1908 with the Women’s Social and Political Union they used Purple, symbolising justice, White-purity and Green-hope. In 1913 the US Suffrage organisation used Purple, White and Gold (yellow)-the colour of light and life and as a torch that guides. Peacock feathers often symbolise omens of nobility, guidance, holiness, watchfulness and protection and I think an appropriate inclusion and also a vehicle for hiding additional symbolism.