Francesco I d'Este Speaks About his Victories with an Honest Comportment, from L'Idea di un Principe ed Eroe Cristiano in Francesco I d'Este, di Modena e Reggio Duca VIII [...] 1659

This print by Bartolomeo Fenice depicts Francesco I d'Este in a moment of narration. Note the Duke's extended arm—a gesture of oration and command. Such gestures hark back to classical rhetoric, where persuasive speaking was paramount to leadership. Consider how this motif of the outstretched arm appears across time, from Roman emperors addressing their legions to Renaissance depictions of biblical figures imparting wisdom. The cultural memory embedded in these gestures transcends mere imitation; it evokes a sense of authority and influence that resonates deeply within the collective psyche. The posture speaks volumes. It embodies a potent psychological dimension, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, stirring feelings tied to leadership. This recurring image acts as a bridge, linking us to past expressions of power, and reminding us of the cyclical nature of history.