Due process of law (1903)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Samuel Ehrhart's 1903 painting, "Due Process of Law," is a richly symbolic work that depicts a personified figure of Justice sitting pensively upon a snail's shell. This figure, adorned in classical attire, holds a sword and balances a pair of scales, icons traditionally associated with the judicial powers and responsibilities. Ehrhart's choice of a snail for Justice to sit upon notably comments on the often sluggish pace of the legal process.The path leading up to the grand 'Hall of Justice,' which sits atop a hill, is strewn with boulders, each inscribed with legal terms such as "Tacts", "Souvereynty", "Delay", "Red Tape", and a prominently featured "Certificate of Reasonable Doubt." These obstacles metaphorically represent the various hurdles and tedious processes that may impede justice from being swiftly served.Ehrhart, known for his political cartooning, uses vibrant colors and clear imagery to imbue the scene with both a sense of gravity and wry commentary on the state of legal affairs. "Due Process of Law" offers not only a visual representation but also a critical narrative on the complexities and frustrations inherent in the legal system at the turn of the 20th century.
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American cartoonist and illustrator born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Ehrhart received his education in the New York City school system. Subsequently, he studied art in Munich. His work appeared in Harper's Monthly (1878-79), Puck (1880, and 1888-1913), and Judge (1887). He died in Brooklyn, New York on October 26, 1937.