RAFFAELLO Sanzio
(b. 1483, Urbino, d. 1520, Roma)

Justice (ceiling tondo)

1509-11
Fresco, diameter 180 cm
Stanza della Segnatura, Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican

The personification of Justice is holding, as her symbols, weighing scales and a sword. Her eyes are directed at the fresco below, The Virtues, in which Fortitude, Wisdom, and Temperance are portrayed in the form of three women. Taken together, all four personifications represent the Cardinal Virtues. Justice's prominent position is explained by the fact that Justice was said by Plato to play a decisive role among the virtues. Two putti are holding the inscription with the words of Emperor Justinian, "She gives Justice to all."