Portret van Johannes Plevier op 57-jarige leeftijd 1742 - 1761

This is Pieter Tanjé’s portrait of Johannes Plevier, made around the mid-18th century. Notice how Plevier’s hand rests gently on his chest. The oratorical gesture, common across time and cultures, carries a powerful psychological weight. Consider, for example, classical sculptures of emperors and philosophers. Here, the same gesture is used to signify sincerity and profound wisdom. It reappears throughout history, each time subtly altered by the cultural milieu, yet retaining its fundamental essence. The heart, in many traditions, is seen as the seat of emotions and truth. By placing his hand on his chest, Plevier signifies that his words come from a place of deep conviction and personal integrity. This symbol resonates with viewers on a subconscious level. So we see here how symbols are non-linear, cyclical progressions, which resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.