Zes handen 1820 - 1826

Jean Augustin Daiwaille made this study of 'Six Hands' with pen in gray ink on paper. The composition immediately presents a lesson in contrasts: open palms versus clenched fists, lightness of touch against firm grip. Each hand is rendered with precise lines, and the varying pressures applied by the artist emphasize the musculature and bone structure beneath the skin. What is presented is not merely a depiction of hands, but an exploration of their potential for expression. Daiwaille's use of line becomes almost sculptural, giving tangible form to the intangible act of grasping. The semiotician might interpret the hand holding the baton as a signifier of control, while the open palm could suggest vulnerability or offering. Each hand, therefore, functions as a sign, contributing to a broader visual vocabulary. The apparent simplicity belies a deeper engagement with the poetics of form. What meanings might you find in these hands?