Judge Bias Shedding Tears, plate 9 from Thrones of Justice (Thronus Iustitiae)

Art Historical Context

In the early 17th century, engraver Willem van Swanburgh crafted *Judge Bias Shedding Tears plate 9 from the *Thrones of Justice (Thronus Iustitiae)* in 1606. This print personifies judicial corruption, depicting a tearful figure of Bias—a symbol of partiality—amidst allegorical elements critiquing the flaws in legal authority. Produced during the Dutch Golden Age, when emblematic prints often served as moral commentaries, the work reflects the era's fascination with justice, virtue, and vice, drawing from Renaissance traditions of satire and instruction. Van Swanenburgh's mastery shines in the engraving technique on ivory laid paper, a premium medium prized for its smooth texture and subtle sheen that enhanced fine details. Using a burin to incise intricate lines into a metal plate, he achieved precise tonal contrasts and expressive textures, allowing mass production of high-quality images for collectors and scholars. At 30 × 39 cm, the plate's scale suited intimate study or display in scholarly cabinets. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings Department, this piece underscores engraving's role in disseminating complex ideas affordably, bridging art and ethics in a time of legal reforms across Europe. Visitors will appreciate its timeless warning against impartiality in judgment.