Figuring out justice in dark times: on law, history, and the visual

What happens when we approach certain objects heuristically as images? How is one to orient oneself through such Might those images challenge our existing knowledge of the history modernisation and written rationalisation law after Middle Ages? In this essay, I begin with early modern European artworks - paintings, engravings, woodcuts, drawings well some other less obvious a striking black background in portrait little-known physician, compelling account nocturnal attempt figure out justice at critical times, gripping intensity permeating Dürer's allegories justice, so on investigate force may have images. Overall, intention go beyond treating impassive historical evidence particular effort conceive intellectually or, alternatively, codes for preexisting messages be subsequently decoded. On approaching them differently, discover that can sometimes resist analyses or interpretations forcing us engage unexpected ways.