Abimelech en Isaak zweren elkaar een eed Possibly 1705 - 1728

Jan van Vianen created this print, "Abimelech and Isaac Swearing an Oath to Each Other," around the turn of the 18th century. The handshake, a central motif, signifies the establishment of a pact, a moment of concord. This gesture echoes through time, appearing in Roman reliefs depicting alliances and in medieval images of knights pledging fealty. Yet, its meaning is never static. Here, it is not just a symbol of agreement, but a powerful claim to territory and mutual respect between different peoples. Consider how often we encounter the handshake in political imagery. It’s a carefully staged performance, laden with the weight of history and the subconscious desire for resolution. The act of clasping hands binds not just individuals, but entire histories and cultural memories. It resurfaces, evolves, and constantly renegotiates its place in our collective psyche.