Justice and Peace Palma il Giovane (Jacopo Negretti) (1548/50-1628)

The composition presents two figures engaged in a tender embrace, set against a dramatic landscape backdrop. The central focus is on their physical connection; they are positioned close together, with one leaning into the other for a kiss. Their faces are turned towards each other, suggesting intimacy and shared understanding.
One figure, clad in flowing white robes accented by a red sash, holds a pair of scales in her outstretched hand. These scales rest upon a distant plane, seemingly suspended above the ground, indicating their symbolic importance rather than literal placement. The second figure, dressed in earth-toned garments, carries a sword and a broom. The sword is held upright, almost touching the other’s face, while the broom rests on the ground at his feet.
The landscape behind them is characterized by dark, stormy skies and distant mountains, creating a sense of grandeur and potential turmoil. A walled city appears faintly visible in the distance, suggesting civilization or order, yet it remains somewhat obscured by the atmospheric conditions. The foreground features a scattering of foliage and what appear to be discarded items – a helmet and other military paraphernalia – lying on the ground.
The inscription at the bottom edge reads IACTITVT FAC OScVVELATA SVNT, which appears to reference a concept of revealed or unveiled truth, possibly linking the embrace to an act of disclosure or understanding.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of reconciliation and harmony. The kiss signifies not merely affection but also a union between opposing forces – represented by the scales (symbolizing justice) and the sword/broom (suggesting power and cleansing). The discarded military items in the foreground imply a cessation of conflict or a rejection of violence. The distant city, while present, is secondary to the immediate connection between the figures, suggesting that true peace lies not solely in external structures but in internal accord. The dramatic lighting and landscape contribute to an overall sense of solemnity and significance, elevating the scene beyond a simple depiction of affection into a symbolic representation of a profound ideal.