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Justice, located above the Hill Street entrance of Los Angeles County’s Mosk Courthouse, symbolizes the activities of the courts. Executed in terra cotta, measuring approximately 24’h x 24’w x 14”d, Justice is Hord's largest sculpture.

The idea of justice is represented by a central female figure, dressed in judicial robes. A globe, the emblem of her universal reign, is held in her left hand, and a sword, signifying her power, is supported by her right hand. The scale, symbolizing impartiality is balanced on her head and decorated at the top with an American eagle.

Elements of Hord's composition suggest his interest in ancient and exotic cultures --impassive facial expressions and kneeling figures representing law and truth resemble the subservient figures portrayed in tomb paintings from ancient Egypt.

The design was finalized in 1956, modeled in clay in two halves, cut into blocks, glazed and fired at Gladding, McBean. Installation occurred in early 1957.

Information provided courtesy of Michael Several, Los Angeles, January 1998.

About the Artist: Donal Hord (1902 – 1966) was born in Wisconsin, educated at several art schools including the Beaux Arts Institute in New York City, and lived most of his life in San Diego. Much of his public sculpture, including his most stunning work, Guardian of Water, can be found in San Diego. His work is in the collections of the Los Angeles County Art Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

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