St. Peter and St. John preaching 1557

This drawing, by Maarten van Heemskerck, captures Saint Peter and Saint John mid-sermon. Here, the oratorical gesture takes center stage; the raised hand, the open palm, symbols of teaching and persuasion. Such gestures echo through the ages. Think of classical sculptures of Roman emperors addressing their troops, or Renaissance paintings of philosophers imparting wisdom. The hand, a conduit of power, a beacon of knowledge. This is the "affect formula" that carries potent emotional and psychological weight, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Consider the open book at the feet of the disciples. A symbol of knowledge, but also of the written word's power to preserve and disseminate ideas. From ancient scrolls to illuminated manuscripts, the book has always been a powerful object. Its presence here emphasizes the enduring nature of the apostles' message. The book, like the orator's hand, transcends time, its symbolism evolving yet remaining resonant across cultures.