Liberty and Justice

“Then I noticed a small sketch in oils, on a panel, representing a woman, draped and blindfolded, carrying a lighted torch. The background was somber—almost black. The movement of the woman was stately, and the effect of the torch-light on her face was sinister.” (Conrad 35).

The painting by Kurtz that is being described in this passage represents many different things. The painting is most literally depicting justice and liberty. The goddess Astraea, goddess of justice, is many times depicted blindfolded. (http://www.commonlaw.com/Justice.html) Also, the image of Liberty is often shown as carrying a lighted torch. This painting also has an ironic side, however. The fact that the background is almost black and that the figure is blindfolded is a metaphor for the fact that these Europeans have been venturing into the “dark” heart of Africa blindly, with no knowledge or light. The torch-light on her face being “sinister” is symbolism for this European mission being destructive—the “light” they are shedding on this “dark” place is actually harmful and evil.

(http://www.ktwallerlawfirm.com/Images/ImageStatueLibertyTorch.JPG)