Arbeider schudt de hand van een oude sergeant 1840

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet created this print, now held at the Rijksmuseum, depicting a worker shaking hands with a soldier. The handshake, a motif of unity and agreement, is prominent. The handshake symbolizes more than a simple greeting; it's a bridge between social classes, hinting at reconciliation during times of social unrest. The open hand, a sign of peace, dates back to ancient times, where displaying empty palms meant no weapons were held. This image, reminiscent of oaths and pacts seen in antiquity, suggests a mutual understanding or agreement. Consider how the handshake, laden with historical weight, elicits a deep-seated emotional response, tapping into our collective yearning for harmony. This recurring symbol transcends time, echoing in contemporary political imagery as a signal of diplomatic accord, continually evolving in its representation while retaining its core message of accord.