Portret van de gynaecoloog Professor Gerrit van der Mey before 1895

This photograph captures Professor Gerrit van der Mey with a composed demeanor. His folded hands, a pose that speaks volumes, reveal more than just a physical gesture; they echo a long history of conveying authority and contemplation. Consider how, in ancient Roman portraiture, the crossed arms often symbolized control and power. Then, move forward to Renaissance paintings where similar gestures embody thoughtfulness and wisdom. Here, in Professor van der Mey’s portrait, the folded hands suggest a blend of professional competence and intellectual depth, fitting for a man of science. This recurring motif transcends time, revealing our continuous, perhaps subconscious, need to project and perceive certain qualities in our leaders and thinkers. It is a potent symbol—one that continues to resonate, adapting through centuries yet forever linked to our collective memory of leadership and knowledge.