Reproductie van een gravure van een portret van Jan Cossiers door Pieter de Jode (II) before 1877

This is a reproduction of a portrait of Jan Cossiers by Joseph Maes, created using engraving techniques. Notice the symbolic gesture—Cossiers' hand placed over his chest. This motif carries rich historical weight. The hand-over-heart gesture, seen across eras, signifies sincerity, loyalty, and heartfelt emotion. Think of ancient orators, medieval oaths of fealty, or even modern-day pledges. It is a visual declaration of one's inner truth. Consider how this gesture appears in religious contexts too, where it symbolizes devotion and piety. It's fascinating how the same gesture can recur in secular and sacred settings, each time imbued with new layers of meaning while retaining its primal essence. Such recurring motifs are not mere coincidences but rather manifestations of shared human experiences, echoing through our collective memory. These symbols resonate because they tap into deep, subconscious levels of understanding. The hand-over-heart is more than a pose; it's a timeless expression of vulnerability and truth.