Allegorical Painting – The Law Protecting Industry, Commerce and Agriculture
Mounted within the richly decorated ceiling of the Court Room (Sala do Tribunal) at Palácio da Bolsa in Porto, Portugal, is a large oil painting on canvas by Portuguese artist José Maria Veloso Salgado (1864–1945).
Titled A Lei protegendo a Indústria, o Comércio e a Agricultura (The Law Protecting Industry, Commerce and Agriculture) and dating to around 1898, this impressive work of art allegorically depicts its central theme: the importance of law and justice in protecting economic activities.
As seen in the image, the painting is positioned between two rectangular cartouches, one reading “INDUSTRIA” and the other “COMMERCIO.” The allegorical composition includes a winged figure holding scales, figures associated with the inscriptions “LEX” (Law in Latin) and “JUSTITIA” (Justice in Latin), and a large cogwheel symbolizing industry.
This painting provides an overarching theme for the larger decorative program by Veloso Salgado, which includes wall paintings depicting Justice, Industry, Maritime Commerce, and Agriculture.
Reference:
Veloso Salgado: estudo e intervenção de conservação e restauro do espólio doado ao MNAC-MC, Figure 12.
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