Inspired by the Roman Goddess, Veritas (literally "Truth"), the artist Jean-Leon Gerome depicts Her emerging from Her well to punish those who have tried to suppress Her. The lesson here is, although try as we might, the truth cannot remain buried for long. Eventually, She will emerge with fury, and those who cannot stand to behold "the naked Truth" (one of her symbols: nudity), flee.
However, let's explore Her symbolism so we can apply Her majesty to ourselves, thus appeasing the Goddess.
Another artist, Paul Baudry, stays more true to her original Roman description. Usually, along with being nude, she holds a mirror in her hand. Now, the mirror can be rather elusive, for it "reflects" an image of what seems, but not necessarily what is. It can be deceptive for this reason. Although, the deception lies within us, which is why the Goddesses mirror asks that we "reflect" on one's self.
Once we are true to ourselves, we can acknowledge our ignorance and ugliness; therefore, giving us the ability to purify what is base. Furthermore, when we embrace the Goddess, it facilitates virtue and encourages ethical being. We are closer to the Gods.
My Note* The child holding her clothes may be symbolic of innocence, bearing the responsibility of holding Her garments. Indeed, we all have an innocence that permits us to be honest and attend to the Truth.
Again, by Jean Leon Gerome, Truth lies dead at the bottom of the well, killed by liars and actors.
Self explanatory, but it is all too often that people neglect to look at that parts of themselves buried in the shadows. But what lurks in the shadows controls what is in the light if the light is not aware of its presence.
In modern terms, you must be conscious of your self, both the bad and the good. It is only through recognition of unconscious material that we can deal with it.
Bless Veritas