Portret van de tenor Louis Dister, als Marouf in de opera Marouf 1938

Here we see René Lonthie’s portrait of the tenor Louis Dister, likely made to commemorate his role as Marouf. Note the costume and upward-pointing index finger—a motif resonating through centuries. This gesture, seemingly simple, is laden with meaning. In antiquity, a similar upward point could signify divine inspiration or heavenly guidance. Think of John the Baptist in Renaissance paintings. The gesture transcends time. Here, it evokes a sense of aspiration or appeal to a higher power. The theatrical context adds another layer. It's a character's plea, perhaps, or a moment of realization. We are drawn into Dister's emotional landscape, an engagement that underscores how symbols in art work on our collective subconscious. The image of Marouf becomes a vessel—carrying forward echoes of the past.