Der Welt Lauf (Sleeping Justice)
1525
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Barthel Beham
Barthel Beham (1502–1540) was an artist, born in Nuremberg.
See the richer artist page1525
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Der Welt Lauf (Sleeping Justice) is a 1525 ink by Barthel Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image depicts a woman, Justice, sleeping while being bound by chains. In the background, a cityscape is visible, with buildings and a tower. The woman's body is relaxed, with her head tilted back and her arms stretched out to the sides. The chains that bind her are thick and heavy, symbolizing the constraints of the law. The cityscape in the background adds a sense of depth and context to the image, suggesting that Justice is not just a personal virtue, but also a societal one. The artist's use of shading and texture creates a sense of realism, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure of Justice. The image invites the viewer to reflect on the nature of justice and its relationship to society. For more on the Renaissance movement, explore its key figures and works.
Barthel Beham (1502–1540) was an artist, born in Nuremberg.
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