Portretten van de koningen Josafat en Joram Possibly 1610 - 1654

These are portraits of Kings Josaphat and Joram, made by an anonymous artist. Look at Josaphat, who raises two fingers, a symbol of blessing or instruction that echoes across religious art through the ages. This gesture—found in ancient Roman oratory as well as early Christian iconography—speaks to a desire to impart divine wisdom or authority. This motif resurfaces in varied contexts, from Byzantine mosaics to Renaissance paintings, each time infused with new cultural meanings. Consider the psychological weight of this symbol. The act of bestowing a blessing touches on our deep-seated needs for guidance, protection, and spiritual connection. It’s a non-linear progression, a cyclical return, where the symbol of blessing evolves, adapts, and takes on new meanings in each era, rooted in the collective human psyche.