Portret van de schilder Cornelis van Poelenburch 1649

This is a portrait of the painter Cornelis van Poelenburch, made by Coenraet Waumans. Note the hand gesture. Van Poelenburch points with his index finger, a symbol with deep roots in rhetoric and art. Consider the figure of John the Baptist, who often appears with this gesture, directing the viewer’s attention to a divine presence. The raised index finger, whether in religious or secular contexts, is a signal to look, to understand, and to follow. In this portrait, the gesture directs us not to the divine, but to the subject's own intellect and artistic skill, suggesting the importance of observation and critical thinking. This motif is not linear but cyclical, resurfacing across centuries, carrying nuances of authority, guidance, and even accusation. From ancient orators to Renaissance masters, the pointing figure captures our attention, compelling us to engage with the subject's intention. It’s a gesture that embodies the power of communication and the enduring human desire to direct and be directed.