The scales of Justice

The most striking feature of the Fraserburgh memorial is the difference in scales between the female figure of 'Justice' and the male warrior 'Valour' which is not entirely explained by Carrick's description of Valour as a 'Youth'. The helmet on the head of Carrick's 'Valour', his shield and sword, are medieval and there was an established iconographic tradition in medieval sculpture, itself drawn from early Christian manuscript illustrations, of representing important figures in larger scale.

Once again the Fraserburgh memorial is reminiscent of a medieval depiction of the story of the Magi. Right - is the Romanesque ivory carving of The Adoration of the Magi. The virgin dominates the space as the central focus of the piece and she represents a figure of awe and wonder to the smaller figures of the three king's, and indeed to the worshiper who would view and contemplate the work. Whether this apparent connection with depictions of the Magi is a coincidence is only conjecture. What does seem certain is that Carrick had a great love for sculpture and carving and was highly conscious of working within a great traditon going back to Michaelangelo, Gislebertus and beyond (see Oban 3 & Killin 1).

Perhaps there is also the possibility that Carrick was again playing on a pun (see Killin). In law the allegorical figure of Justice is traditionally portrayed blind, with sword and scales. In a time of war however the rule of law is often swept aside and the Fraserburgh 'Justice' has given her sword over to the warrior. Although she is not portrayed with her traditional scales, scale itself has become the central feature of the composition.

Left - Photograph supplied and re-produced by kind permission of Stan Bruce.