Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van Christus als steun voor de armen door Paul Delaroche before 1858

This is a photograph of Paul Delaroche's painting, "Christ as Support for the Poor," captured by Robert Jefferson Bingham. Notice Christ, the central figure, his hand extended in a gesture of offering. The open hand, throughout history, has been a potent symbol—think of Roman emperors offering clemency, or the act of almsgiving. It transcends mere physical action. The psychoanalyst might say it touches on our deepest needs for security and compassion. Even earlier, in ancient Egyptian art, outstretched hands were depicted, signifying the reception of divine gifts or blessings. Delaroche’s "Christ" consciously taps into this deep well of collective memory. It evokes not just religious devotion, but a universal desire for empathy. The act becomes charged, resurfacing through time with each iteration, each artist reinterpreting the ancient symbol. The emotional resonance is undeniable, and it continues to engage us on a subconscious level.