Waarzegster 1696 - 1709

This engraving by Jacob de Later depicts a fortune teller reading a young lady’s palm. The fortune teller, an archetypal figure of hidden knowledge, holds the lady’s hand, promising insight into her destiny. The pointing finger gestures upwards, symbolizing guidance from unseen forces. This motif of divination and guidance echoes through time, from the ancient oracles to the tarot readers of today. It speaks to humanity's enduring desire to penetrate the veil of the future, to understand the forces shaping our lives. The lady is the symbol of youth and innocence, searching for direction in the complex path of love. The act of hand-reading itself, a practice stretching back to antiquity, becomes a powerful engagement between fate and free will, suggesting that our lives are shaped by forces beyond our control. It is an ancient performance of hope, fear, and the eternal human quest for meaning. The symbol has evolved from sacred rituals to popular entertainment, yet its core appeal remains unchanged: the promise of unveiling what lies hidden.