Day Twenty One - Allegory of Justice and Peace by Giaquinto Corrado

1753 - 1754. Oil on canvas. 216cm x 325cm. Museo del Prado, Madrid.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;

righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,

and righteousness will look down from the sky.

The Lord will give what is good,

and our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness will go before him,

and will make a path for his steps. (Psalm 85:10-13)

In this glorious painting, created by Corrado over 250 years ago, we see an allegorical representation of Justice and Peace, hinting that the two are interlinked or even inseparable. Of the two characters, Justice is the dominant, indicated by her crown and sceptre and, more importantly, by the dove symbolising the Holy Spirit. The symbolism is enforced with the addition of an ostrich, whose symmetrical feathers may be seen to represent fairness, and a column to symbolise strength. The stricken figure in the foreground represents War and has been overcome by Justice. Cupid aims an arrow at War, and his accompanying putti fan the flames of Justice in the Temple of Peace. Peace, meanwhile, holds an olive branch and protects a horn of plenty at her feet, a cornucopia of goodness reserved for the righteous. In the right foreground sit a lion and a lamb, representing the strength and meekness of God, and a reference to Psalm 85 on which this work is based.

In the eighteenth century it was common to combine secular imagery with religious references. In this instance Corrado was positively relating the comparatively peaceful policies of the reign of Ferdinand VI to the Kingdom of God. Unlike today, where we are bombarded with images and information, people of this era were used to deciphering such symbolism and allegory, and although the painting is aesthetically beautiful in both style and composition, everything included is for a reason.

In the quarter of a millennium since this work was created we have learned so much and progressed in many ways, but we may have also become more selfish and self-centred. In our modern political arena polarised opinions seem to dominate reasoned thought, division overtaken togetherness, and argument seems to have replaced debate. Perhaps we should all look at ourselves and take responsibility for our own thoughts and actions before accusing others of transgressing? Perhaps our modern idea of justice is moving away from the great justice of our Lord?

From a quiet mind comes vision, from vision comes knowledge of unity, and from knowledge of unity comes compassion for all.

Eternal Father,

In this confusing world, may You bring clarity. In this fractured world, may You bring unity. In this violent world, may You bring peace.

Amen.

Seek good and not evil,

that you may live;

and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you,

just as you have said.

Hate evil and love good,

and establish justice in the gate; (Amos 5:14-15)

Gwyn Davies