50 The Seven Vices: Injustice Giotto di Bondone (1266-1337)

The composition presents a central figure framed within an arched niche, set against a dark background that emphasizes its presence. Above the arch, the word INJUSTIGIA is inscribed in capital letters, immediately establishing the thematic focus.
Here we see a man dressed in elaborate robes and a tall, pointed hat, holding aloft a long, slender staff. His posture is upright, almost rigid, conveying an impression of authority or perhaps arrogance. The face exhibits a stern expression; the gaze is directed outward, seemingly detached from any sense of empathy or concern.
The vegetation surrounding the figure appears stylized rather than naturalistic. These plants are not merely decorative elements but seem to carry symbolic weight. Their presence might suggest a perversion of nature, reflecting the corrupting influence of injustice. The arrangement feels deliberate and controlled, mirroring the imposed order associated with oppressive power structures.
At the base of the composition, a low-relief frieze depicts several small figures engaged in scenes of conflict. These vignettes portray animals – lions, dogs, and other creatures – in aggressive postures, seemingly locked in struggle. This lower register acts as a visual commentary on the consequences of injustice: chaos, violence, and discord among those subjected to it. The animalistic imagery could be interpreted as representing the primal instincts unleashed by inequitable treatment.
The overall effect is one of solemnity and moral condemnation. The artist has created an image that is not merely descriptive but allegorical, using visual cues to convey a complex message about power, corruption, and the suffering caused by unfairness. The stark contrast between the illuminated figure and the dark background reinforces the sense of isolation and culpability associated with the vice being depicted.