Portret van Pietro Antonio Camilli, 56ste Minister Generaal van de franciscaner orde 1710 - 1738

This engraving by Antonio Luciani portrays Pietro Antonio Camilli, the Minister General of the Franciscan Order. Camilli stands with his hands clasped in prayer, a gesture laden with centuries of religious meaning. This motif, hands joined in supplication, appears across cultures and epochs. In ancient Egyptian art, similar gestures denoted reverence and humility before the gods. Yet, within the Christian tradition, this act evolves to signify not only devotion but also intercession, a direct channel to the divine. Consider how the psychological weight of such gestures transforms over time, influenced by shifts in religious doctrine and societal values. The act of prayer, seen through a psychoanalytic lens, becomes a powerful means of addressing existential anxieties. By joining his hands, Camilli embodies both personal piety and the collective spiritual aspirations of his order. This image thus engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, resonating with our innate need for solace and connection to something greater. The gesture of prayer is not static; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, always reflecting humanity's ongoing quest for meaning and connection.