Lady Justice Statues: Symbols, History & Custom Bronze Works

Lady Justice was not invented by one artist or created for one famous monument. Her image developed through a long visual tradition. Greek figures such as Themis and Dike gave law and fair judgment a female form; Roman Justitia connected that idea more closely with civic virtue and public authority.

Over time, artists added or emphasized different attributes. The scales, sword, robe and eventually the blindfold created a figure that could communicate before any inscription was read. This is why Lady Justice belongs naturally to architecture: she turns an abstract promise into a presence that visitors can immediately recognize.

A strong page and a strong sculpture must therefore explain variation rather than pretend there is one definitive model. Open-eyed and blindfolded figures can both be historically meaningful.

• Scales: evidence and competing claims should be weighed before judgment.
• Sword: law requires the authority to protect, decide and enforce—not uncontrolled aggression.
• Blindfold: now commonly represents impartiality and freedom from status or appearance, although it became established later than the other attributes.
• Open eyes: can emphasize wisdom, vigilance and the ability to see truth clearly. The celebrated figure above London's Old Bailey is not blindfolded.
• Robe: connects the figure with ceremony, classical tradition and public dignity.

The best sculpture keeps these details readable without exaggeration. The overall impression should remain calm, balanced and authoritative.

At the Old Bailey in London, the bronze and gold-leaf figure stands 60 metres above the street. She holds sword and scales but has uncovered eyes, demonstrating that the blindfold is not essential to the identity of Justice.

At the United States Supreme Court, James Earle Fraser's Contemplation of Justice was installed in 1935. The seated figure is not a conventional standing Lady Justice; she rests an arm on a book of laws and holds a smaller blindfolded figure. The example shows how artists can express justice through reflection as well as familiar attributes.

These differences are useful when commissioning a new work. A law office may prefer a concise tabletop symbol; a courthouse may need a formal standing figure; a university may emphasize learning, ethics and contemplation.

• Office, chamber or library: select a compact or medium statue whose scales, sword and expression remain clear at close range.
• Lobby or law school: a larger figure can establish identity at an entrance or reception point. Confirm sightlines, base height and circulation space.
• Courthouse or civic exterior: plan pedestal proportions, anchoring, wind exposure, drainage, lighting and access for installation.
• Custom symbolism: decide whether the eyes are covered, how the sword is held, whether an inscription or institutional seal is needed, and which legal tradition the work should reflect.

Dark brown patina creates a solemn institutional tone; antique green works well with stone façades and landscapes; selective highlights can keep the scales and facial expression legible.

The challenge is restraint. A rigid body can feel lifeless, while an overly theatrical pose weakens the seriousness of the subject. The face should be calm rather than sentimental or severe, and the robe should support a stable vertical composition.

The scales require especially careful work: the beam, chains and plates must appear delicate yet survive casting, finishing, transport and installation. The sword must read as controlled authority, not violence. If a blindfold is included, it should sit naturally on the face without erasing its expression.

For larger projects, Toperkin can also plan sectional casting, internal support, base plates and installation connections. Read our 12-step lost-wax casting guide for the complete process.