Saint Augustine disputing with the heretic Fortunatus c. 1510

This painting depicts Saint Augustine in deep discourse with Fortunatus, amidst a classical architectural setting. Augustine, identifiable by his halo, stands centrally, his gestures animated. His hands are not merely gesticulating but seem to be actively ‘speaking,’ a tradition that goes back to ancient rhetoric where gestures were finely calibrated to convey meaning. Consider the recurring motif of the raised hand, a symbol pervasive across cultures from ancient Roman oratory to Renaissance preaching. This gesture, laden with intent, transcends mere communication; it embodies the power of conviction. The act of disputation itself is an image we see again and again through history. The motif evolves into legal dramas and philosophical debates, each era imbuing it with new layers of cultural significance. It’s a symbol of humankind's perpetual quest for understanding, perpetually resurfacing and adapting to reflect the preoccupations of the present.