Justice and Injustice immediately prompts questions. Why, for example, is the renowned Frida Kahlo depicted in a corset next to the medieval philosopher Thomas Aquinas? Frida Kahlo, known for her self-portraits and her struggle against physical and emotional pain, symbolises personal justice and resilience in the artwork. Thomas Aquinas, on the other hand, represents the intellectual pursuit of justice and ethics. Their unexpected juxtaposition demonstrates that justice and morality are interpreted not only through legal codes, but also through the eyes of artists and philosophers. There is so much to see that students, staff, and visitors often find themselves fascinated by the more than 300 figures integrated into the work.

A visual encyclopaedia of law and morality

In Justice and Injustice, Broekman combines famous paintings, religious scenes, and classical themes exploring good and evil. The result is a multi-layered visual encyclopaedia of how people throughout the ages have thought about power, justice, and guilt.

From the 4th floor, near the Law Library, one can see the biblical story of fratricide: Cain, driven by jealousy, kills his brother Abel with a stick. As punishment, God condemns him to a life of wandering.

Adam, Eve, and Susanna: A journey through time

On the 6th floor, a black-and-white robed figure stands out in a scene depicting Susanna and the Elders by painter Peter Paul Rubens, where men falsely accuse Susanna of adultery. On the 3rd floor, the same story is portrayed by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo in the 18th century. The theme of Susanna embodies centuries of debate on justice, power, and the protection of the vulnerable.

An artwork full of surprises

In short, exploring Justice and Injustice is a journey through both art history and legal history. Each floor tells a different story. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, look from bottom to top, and let themselves be surprised by Broekman’s unexpected combinations of artworks, eras, and legal-philosophical themes.