Het afzweren van Filips II door de Staten, 1581 1784 - 1786

This artwork by Jacobus Buys, a pen drawing, depicts the 1581 Act of Abjuration. Note the raised hands of the figures, each displaying two fingers. In the context of oath-making, the gesture of raised fingers symbolizes a binding promise, evoking a divine witness to the spoken words. This hand gesture echoes through history, from ancient Roman treaties to medieval oaths of fealty. Think of the raised hands in Jacques-Louis David's "Oath of the Horatii," a mirror reflecting a commitment to a cause, a powerful expression of loyalty. Over time, the gesture has appeared in countless contexts, shifting in meaning with each new usage. Here, the psychological weight of this collective act is palpable. The raised hands not only symbolize a legal decision but also a profound emotional commitment to freedom. This image reminds us that symbols are never static; they evolve and adapt, carrying with them the weight of collective memory and subconscious desires.