Portret van Willem van den Broek 1756

This engraving of Willem van den Broek was made by Pieter Tanjé in the 18th century. Note the sitter's clerical collar, a symbol denoting his status as a man of the church, and his open hand. In ancient Roman oratory, the open hand was a gesture signifying honesty and openness, designed to convey sincerity to the audience. This motif of the open hand extends through time. In medieval art, we see saints and prophets depicted with open hands, offering blessings and demonstrating divine grace. Consider the "Hand of God" in early Christian art, or the many depictions of Christ with arms outstretched in blessing. The use of such gestures taps into our collective memory. It is a visual language that speaks to our subconscious, evoking feelings of trust, guidance, and connection. The open hand here is not merely a physical gesture; it is a conduit for conveying a sense of spiritual authority. Thus, the language of gesture transcends time, reappearing in new contexts, subtly evolving and shaping our understanding across the ages.