The Scales of Justice: An English Criminal Judge in Traditional Robes, 1847

About this sheet

The image is labeled "Juge criminel anglais," which translates to "English Criminal Judge." The figure depicted is wearing a long, flowing robe with a blue undergarment and a red cape, which is indicative of the traditional robes worn by English judges, especially in higher courts.

The judge also wears a white coif, which was a typical head covering for English judges and serjeants-at-law. He carries a staff, which may symbolize authority or the office of the judiciary. His belt is richly decorated, suggesting the importance and high status of his position within the legal system.

The robes and coif show significant detail, such as the fur lining on the cape and the gold fastening on the belt, which alludes to the formality and solemnity of the judicial office. The judge's expression is stern and somber, reflecting the serious nature of his role in adjudicating criminal matters.

Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image.

Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces.

In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts, the original artists might have employed techniques or materials that gave a similar effect to those achieved with egg-based binders and varnishes.