Type: Freestanding sculpture of Lady Justice (Justitia)
Material: Likely cast bronze, with fine detailing and a light verdigris patina
Height: Approx. 730 mm (73 cm / ~28.7 inches) – tabletop to medium pedestal size
Style: Classical/Art Nouveau influence, with flowing robes and a naturalistic pose
Features:
Blindfolded woman holding scales of justice and sword
Snake underfoot, symbolizing evil or deception
Well-proportioned base, possibly solid bronze or bronze-on-marble
Symbolism and Iconography:
Lady Justice, or Justitia, is a personification of moral force in judicial systems. Key elements:
Blindfold: Impartiality
Scales: Weighing truth and fairness
Sword: Authority and swift justice
Snake beneath feet: Triumph over evil or corruption
This version closely follows 19th–early 20th century European bronze traditions, likely influenced by French or Italian casting styles, but lacks hallmarking.
Origin & History:
Purchased in Melaka, Malaysia, a city with strong colonial ties, particularly to the British during the 19th–20th century.
Style and construction suggest a European export piece, possibly made in the late 19th century to mid-20th century.
Bronze statuary was a common decorative import for administrative, legal, and colonial offices — especially iconic figures like Lady Justice.
Condition:
Good overall: Some surface oxidation (green patina) visible, typical of untreated bronze.
No visible breaks or missing elements.
Scales are intact and hanging evenly, which is often a fragile point in similar figures.
🏷 Estimated Market Value (as of 2025):
Context
Estimated Value (USD)
Private Sale
$500 – $900
Gallery or Auction
$1,000 – $1,500
With Maker Attribution
$1,500 – $2,500+
🔍 Recommendation:
Professional appraisal recommended if:
You can identify a signature (possibly under the base or on rear hem of robe)
You plan to sell at auction or insure the piece
Consider cleaning by a conservator only if value justifies; patina can affect marketability.
This statue would appeal to collectors of legal art, bronze statuary, or colonial decorative art.
Bronze Statue of Lady Justice (Justitia) Blindfolded with Sword
Item Overview:
Symbolism and Iconography:
Lady Justice, or Justitia, is a personification of moral force in judicial systems. Key elements:
This version closely follows 19th–early 20th century European bronze traditions, likely influenced by French or Italian casting styles, but lacks hallmarking.
Origin & History:
Condition:
🏷 Estimated Market Value (as of 2025):
Context
Estimated Value (USD)
Private Sale
$500 – $900
Gallery or Auction
$1,000 – $1,500
With Maker Attribution
$1,500 – $2,500+
🔍 Recommendation:
This statue would appeal to collectors of legal art, bronze statuary, or colonial decorative art.