5 Ancient Symbols of the Law

Many of the concepts forming the basis of modern law came from ancient civilizations. Why not pay homage to the ancient and honorable roots of the legal profession with office decor that incorporates art with a historic or symbolic connection to the law from ancient civilizations? Quality reproductions of ancient art and relics from museums and preserved ruins can be an inexpensive and tasteful way to incorporate the rich history and origins of the law into the framework of almost any style of office decor.

Reproduction art comes in several forms that can easily be incorporated into your existing office decor--as three-dimensional wall reliefs, sculpture (statues, heads and busts), figurines and boxes that serve a dual purpose--as decor, and as storage for small objects like paperclips.

Below are five examples with a legal perspective that appear in ancient art treasures which have survived the ages and now reside in museums.

o Themis, Greek Goddess of Justice, often depicted as "Blind Justice".

o Pericles, Athenian statesman whose eloquent speaking ability and keen sense of judgement ushered in the democratic reforms associated wtih the golden Age of ancient Greece.

o Socrates, the great Greek philosopher whose ideas and precepts have helped shaped laws and societies since the 4th century B.C.

o Maat, Egyptian Goddess of Law, Order and Justice and the personification of divine order.

o Athena, Greek Goddess of Wisdom.

Decorating options to complement your choice of reproduction art include upholstery fabric, drapes, wall coverings or wallpaper borders that echo Greek or Egyptian motifs. Try incorporating colorful and exotic Egyptian vases or Greek amphorae for a coordinated look. Attractively matted and framed photographic posters of Egyptian ruins and the Greek Acropolis also complement museum reproductions.

Victorian painters--particularly art students--often chose classic Egyptian or Greek themes as subjects for their paintings. Many are quite beautiful, and inexpensive prints can be matted and framed for an elegant and interesting addition to decor with an ancient history theme. For a personal touch, getting your firm's name translated into ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and painted on papyrus makes a colorful and interesting addition to your office decor.