Under the arcade of the market place, above the door that led to the offices of the city government, you see today a painting of Mother Ragusa, the Free City. The colors are still clear and fresh. Grouped around Mother Ragusa's knees, and equally enclosed by her arms, are children of all peoples; the Norman, the Mongol, the African, the Slav and the Levantine. Here is human equality and human brotherhood. Below the portrait stands a marble bench on which three judges sat every day, to hear and judge in public any case brought before them. They represented the Free City. They were bound to judge all men with an equal justice.
The painting of Mother Ragusa, emblematic of the Free City, is prominently displayed above the entrance to the city's government offices in the marketplace. Its vibrant colors depict Mother Ragusa surrounded by children of diverse backgrounds, symbolizing unity and equality. The imagery conveys a powerful message of human brotherhood among various peoples, such as Normans, Mongols, Africans, Slavs, and Levantines.
Below this representation, a marble bench served as a platform for three judges who would hear cases presented to them daily. Their role was crucial in upholding the principles of the Free City, as they were dedicated to administering impartial justice for all citizens, regardless of their origins. This commitment to equality highlights the ideals of fairness and community that the painting embodies.
