Dubbelportret van Obizzo II d'Este en Aldobrandino IV d'Este, markiezen van Ferrara 1641

This engraving by Caterino Doino portrays Obizzo II d'Este and Aldobrandino IV d'Este, the Marquises of Ferrara. We see Obizzo pointing, drawing our eye and mind into a realm of intention and direction. Pointing is not a mere gesture, but a symbol that has traversed time, echoing across cultures. In ancient Roman art, the pointing figure often signified authority or guidance, a motif repurposed in Renaissance art to direct spiritual or intellectual focus. Think of John the Baptist in Renaissance paintings, pointing towards Christ, a gesture laden with prophecy and significance. It's more than just indication, it's a connection to shared human understanding. The act of pointing transcends language, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, evoking both curiosity and expectation. As a primal form of communication, this gesture has adapted, yet its core meaning remains, resonating in our collective memory.