“Questa è la mia idea”. L’iconografia della giustizia secondo Beccaria

Abstract

The iconography of Justice, with scales and sword, was forged in the Middle Ages. Iusitia was first depicted among the theological and civil virtues, but subsequently became a protagonist and armed figure. By now we are used to her sword, which rises as a symbol of power. Beccaria has devised a different iconography of justice that invites to renew the penal system and to depose the sword. His thought-provoking idea could help to clarify his position regarding controversial issues, which have long been at the center of a thorough debate: how radical is his condemnation of death penalty, the ambiguity in the description of the executioner, the endorsement of forced labor and life imprisonment.