Jozef c. 1615 - 1623

This small etching titled 'Jozef' presents an image of contemplation and sorrow. The figure, possibly Joseph from biblical narratives, is marked by his downcast gaze and the expressive gesture of his hand. This symbolic gesture of the hand—fingers splayed, palm turned slightly inward—reverberates through art history as a signifier of distress, supplication, or inner turmoil. Consider the evolution of such gestures: from ancient Roman orators using formalized hand movements to convey specific emotions, to the Renaissance masters who imbued their figures with profound psychological depth through similar means. Think of the grieving figures in devotional paintings, their hands mirroring this posture of lament. This motif resurfaces time and again, evolving through cultural and historical shifts, yet retaining its core essence of human suffering. The etching taps into a collective memory, resonating with viewers on a subconscious level, evoking empathy and a sense of shared human experience.