Hagar en Ismaël in de woestijn 1676

Jan van Somer's print captures a poignant scene of Hagar and Ishmael in the desert. Hagar's gesture, hand to her chest, speaks of maternal anxiety, a universal echo of the Mater Dolorosa. The angel's outstretched arm, a symbol of divine intervention, finds its roots in classical antiquity, reminiscent of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, guiding souls. This gesture transcends mere instruction; it embodies hope, a lifeline thrown into the abyss of despair. Consider the 'Adlocutio' gesture of Roman emperors, a call to duty, transformed here into a promise of salvation. The image is not merely a depiction, but a profound engagement with our collective memory, touching upon primal emotions of fear, hope, and the yearning for divine protection. These symbols are not static; they evolve, resurface, and are continually reinterpreted across cultures and epochs.