Explore the Description of this artwork, Allegory of the Good and Bad Judge.
The composition comprises two panels, of apparently distinct but complementary narratives. The two panels are framed by a decorative Moorish-inspired bar, which makes it resemble an illumination. What seem to be traces of a heraldic device can be seen on each side of the painting, probably the arms of the House of Braganza or the royal coat of arms.In the upper scene, Christ as the Pantocrator in robes of red and with His feet resting on a globe with a Gothic caption reading "UROPA", is flanked by two prophets, each holding a phylactery twisted in the shape of the letters Alpha and Omega. He is also flanked by two trumpeting angels. 
The lower scene depicts a trial with two judges: the "Good Judge" to the left, and the "Bad Judge" to the right, both seated on wooden and richly-crafted Gothic thrones. The Good Judge is seated facing the viewer directly, wearing robes of great sobriety (a white houppelande over a dark doublet and matching cap) and holding steady the red staff of the old municipal courts; he seems to be acquitting a man dressed in white. The Bad Judge, wearing showy robes of orange and a red fur-lined cap and holding a broken red staff, is depicted as having two faces and is being approached by two men in the act of bribery: the man to the right (a rico homem) takes gold coins from a coin purse, and the man to the left (a villein) offers the judge a pair of partridges.While the Bad Judge's conduct is influenced by the Devil, who seems to be whispering in the judge's ear and rests his claw on top of the judge's shoulder, the Good Judge is being crowned by two angelic figures, Justice and Mercy, according to the medieval symbolism. The scene is flanked by two corregedores, each beside each of the judges, and in matching clothes.
villein Alpha and Omega Christ heraldic device phylactery doublet illumination Pantocrator royal coat of arms houppelande corregedor rico homem two faces House of Braganza left Gothic