Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn met schildersmaterialen onder zijn arm geeft oude man hand 1776 - 1823

This etching, made by Johannes Christiaan Bendorp, captures a moment of Rembrandt extending his hand to an elder. The handshake, a gesture laden with meaning, signifies agreement, peace, and farewell. This motif echoes through time, appearing in Roman art as a symbol of concordia, and in funerary art, marking the final parting. Here, it may symbolize the passing of artistic legacy, the torch handed from master to the next generation. Interestingly, the handshake also resurfaces in less formal contexts. Consider the modern-day business deal, sealed with a handshake – a faint echo of ancient vows and commitments. Perhaps this image touches on our collective subconscious, reminding us of our continuous engagement in the rituals of connection and exchange, constantly reshaped by culture yet rooted in primal gestures. This timeless iconography is a powerful force, engaging viewers across the ages in the continuous cycle of art and human experience.