The first Monday in October begins the annual session of the U.S. Supreme Court.
On this day each year, the justices don their robes and assemble to hear arguments on important issues in national discourse and debate.
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Order in the Court!
The first Monday in October begins the annual session of the U.S. Supreme Court.
On this day each year, the justices don their robes and assemble to hear arguments on important issues in national discourse and debate.
Today's study, a plan for a mosaic at the Wisconsin state capital, symbolizes the American concept of fairness and equality under the law. Unlike many judicial personifications, this one is not blindfolded. Instead, she looks directly at us as she weighs matters with impartial hands.
In the contrasting image below, the same artist created a mural study for a New York court building. In Statute Law, this figure, symbolizing force, emphasizes bravery and strength, rather than logic and fairness.
Pictured top: Kenyon Cox, 1856–1919, Justice (study for mosaic, Wisconsin State Capital) , about 1913, oil, 14 x 27 1/8 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Ambrose Lansing.
Pictured bottom: Kenyon Cox, 1856–1919, Statute Law, Helmet for Figure of "Force" (study for mural, appellate court building, New York), about 1899, oil, 17 x 13 7/8 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Ambrose Lansing.