Study of the left hand of Władysław Jagiełło for the painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’ 1867

This study of a hand was sketched by Józef Simmler as preparation for his painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’. Observe the hand’s gesture. The fingers, gently curved, suggest a moment of solemn promise or deep contemplation. Hands have always been powerful symbols. Think of the ‘Hand of God’ in religious art, or the clasped hands signifying agreement or peace. Here, the slight tension in the hand evokes a sense of duty, of a pledge being made with earnest intent. Consider how this motif echoes in other contexts. Recall the depictions of Christ’s hands, often shown in gestures of blessing or supplication. Or, consider the raised hand of a leader, signaling authority. This simple hand connects to a broader, collective memory, tapping into our shared understanding of commitment and integrity. The hand, in its quiet expressiveness, transcends time, continuously resurfacing across cultures, adapting, and evolving in meaning.