The Government of American Cities
The Government of European Cities
Principles and Methods of Municipal Administration
JUSTICE
By Edward Simmons
This frontispiece is a reproduction of a famous mural decoration in the New York Criminal Court House.
The background is the doorway of the criminal court room. Justice stands before the entrance holding in one hand the conventional scales as a token of impartiality, and in the other hand a globe to symbolize the world. Over her left shoulder is draped the national flag. Condemnation and Acquittal are typified by the two children, one of whom holds a sword, the other the dove of peace.
It has been usual to prefigure the Goddess of Justice with her eyes bandaged, in token of her immunity from outside influence. Mr. Simmons, however, has here portrayed Justice with her eyes uncovered, because he believed that “Justice should have her eyes wide open—particularly in New York City”.
The artist’s wife and two children were the models for this painting.