The artwork titled “Justicia,” created by Victor Hugo in 1858, belongs to the Symbolism art movement and is a fine example of symbolic painting.
In the artwork, a sense of foreboding and somber reflection permeates the composition. A disembodied, anguished face emerges from the dark shadows, drawing immediate attention due to its stark contrast and expressive detail. The face appears to be floating, suspended in a void of murky, undifferentiated background, contributing to the painting’s ethereal and ghostly atmosphere. Below, the dim, almost indistinguishable form of a guillotine looms, partially hidden within the shadows, with a small light source at its base that barely penetrates the darkness. The cobblestone ground further adds to the desolate and oppressive ambiance. Together, these elements evoke themes of justice, punishment, and existential dread, characteristic of the Symbolist preoccupation with inner vision and metaphysical introspection.
