De prediking van Barnabas 1647 - 1652

Pier Francesco Mola rendered this drawing, “The Preaching of Barnabas,” with pen in brown ink. Barnabas stands prominently, his raised hand a beacon among the crowd. This gesture—the raised hand—is not merely a signal, but a symbol deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Think back to ancient Roman orators, their hands animating their speeches, directing the crowd's emotions. Or consider the countless depictions of saints and prophets, their hands raised in blessing or supplication, a conduit between the divine and the earthly. The raised hand, therefore, becomes a vessel, carrying the weight of tradition and the power of collective memory. It is a testament to the enduring human need for connection, guidance, and transcendence, a need that transcends time and culture. As you contemplate this image, consider the enduring power of symbols to evoke emotion and connect us to the deepest currents of human experience.