Sculptuur van keizer Caracalla 1646 - 1670

Hubert Quellinus created this sculpture of Emperor Caracalla using an engraving technique. Notice the toga, draped and folded, a garment laden with significance, indicative of Roman citizenship and status. The act of gathering the toga, seen here, has origins in ancient Roman art, signaling authority and oratory power. The gesture reappears throughout history, from classical sculptures to Renaissance portraits. The raised hand has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning. We can see it in depictions of emperors giving speeches, and Christian leaders giving blessings. Delving into the subconscious, these symbols tap into our shared memories, evoking a sense of reverence and power. Each fold of the toga, each gesture of the hand, resonates with echoes of the past, a dance between what was and what is remembered. Ultimately, the cultural memory embedded within the art transcends time. This symbol evolves, resurfaces, and takes on new meanings, reflecting the cyclical nature of history.