Biskop H. Wandal 1668 - 1696

Hubert Schaten created this portrait of Biskop H. Wandal using engraving techniques. Notice the books in the background, a symbol of knowledge and learning. The sitter's hand is resting, almost limp, a gesture that has appeared across centuries in varied contexts. In antiquity, it might have signified contemplation, but here, paired with the clerical garb, it evokes a kind of learned authority. This motif recurs in countless portraits, each time subtly shifting in meaning. Think of the Renaissance depictions of scholars, their hands similarly positioned, conveying wisdom and introspection. This gesture is passed down through art history, evolving and adapting to different cultural values. There is an emotional weight carried by this simple hand; it is an assurance of stability in knowledge. Ultimately, we recognize the cyclical nature of symbols, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings throughout history.