Illustratie voor de Decamerone van Boccaccio 1697

Romeyn de Hooghe etched this illustration for Boccaccio's Decameron. The image pulsates with the fervor of a sermon, dominated by a preacher standing high in the pulpit. Consider the raised hands of the preacher, a gesture that echoes across centuries, from ancient Roman orators to modern-day politicians. It’s a universal appeal to the heavens, a symbol of divine authority, yet it can also signify manipulation, depending on the context. See how the crowd is captivated, their faces turned upwards, a collective expression of faith or perhaps, blind obedience. Look at the cross in the background: a potent symbol of sacrifice and redemption, but also one of suffering and control. These symbols are not static; they evolve with time, their meanings shaped by culture and individual experience. The emotional weight of the scene is undeniable, engaging our subconscious with its timeless themes of faith, power, and human vulnerability. Thus, De Hooghe’s illustration serves as a mirror, reflecting the enduring human drama that continues to unfold across the stage of history.