Ontvangst van Cornelis de Bruyn als nieuw lid van de Bentvueghels 1700

This engraving depicts the initiation of Cornelis de Bruyn into the Bentvueghels, a society of mostly Dutch and Flemish artists working in Rome. A striking element is the theatrical gesture of the central figure, who raises his hand in what appears to be an act of blessing or announcement. Such gestures carry a long lineage. Consider the "adlocutio" pose from ancient Roman art, where emperors address their troops, or even the raised hands in early Christian art symbolizing divine intervention. The hand, an instrument of action and expression, becomes a potent symbol. In this context, it signifies the welcoming of a new member into a fold that celebrates both artistic freedom and a connection to classical ideals. Notice how the classical statue overlooks the scene, suggesting the weight of antiquity on their artistic endeavors. This image reminds us that rituals, symbols, and gestures are not bound by time. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, reflecting the non-linear progression of cultural memory.