Oude vrouw gezeten aan een gedekte tafel in een keuken 1885

This etching by T. van Riet depicts an old woman seated at a table in a kitchen, her hands clasped in a pose that invites contemplation. This seemingly simple scene is rich with symbols that echo across time. The gesture of clasped hands is not merely one of prayer, but of supplication and reverence, resonating with similar poses found in countless religious artworks. Think of the praying figures in medieval altarpieces, or the devotional stances in Renaissance paintings. These gestures evoke a deep sense of humility and introspection. The modest meal before her speaks to the cycle of sustenance and gratitude. We are invited to see how these motifs reappear, not as mere repetitions, but as living symbols that shape our understanding of mortality, faith, and the human condition. The image’s power engages us on a subconscious level, stirring collective memories and emotions that transcend time. This symbol is cyclical; resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.