Legal Statue Appraisal

Lady Justice Statue

The item is a statue of Lady Justice, a allegorical personification of the moral force in judicial systems. The statue depicts Lady Justice seated upon a globe, which may symbolize her global reach or the world over which justice presides. Her right arm is raised, holding what appears to be a broken or incomplete set of scales, traditionally used to weigh evidence for and against. Her left arm is not fully visible but she appears to be blindfolded, a common attribute symbolizing impartiality. The statue exhibits a dark, possibly bronze or bronze-finished material, indicated by the dark overall color and hints of metallic sheen, particularly on her draped clothing and lower leg where a lighter, aged bronze tone is visible. The base is rectangular and features a relief depiction of a serpent being crushed under her feet, with a book, likely law books, also underneath. The overall construction appears solid and well-made, suggesting it might be cast metal or a resin composite with a metallic finish. The surface exhibits a significant layer of dust and grime, particularly on the base and in crevices, indicating it has been neglected or stored without proper cleaning for some time. There are no immediate visible signs of damage such as cracks or chips, but the scales being incomplete could be an intentional artistic choice or a breakage. The style suggests a classical or neoclassical influence, with a probable manufacturing period spanning from the late 19th century to mid-20th century, or even a contemporary reproduction in an antique style. The craftsmanship points to a decorative or symbolic piece intended for display in a professional setting like a law office or home study. The quality seems good, evident in the detailed sculpting of the figure and the base elements.