Naar rechts wijzende hand 1508 - 1534

Correggio's "Hand Pointing to the Right", a drawing held at the Rijksmuseum, presents us with a study in form and direction. The ochre lines on the toned paper evoke a sense of classical draftsmanship. Note how the hand emerges from the lower left, its form articulated with nuanced hatching and delicate rendering. Correggio masterfully uses line and shadow to create a palpable sense of volume. The slight turn of the wrist and the gentle curl of the fingers suggest movement. Semiotically, the pointing hand operates as a signifier, directing our gaze beyond the frame, implying continuation and connection. The hand, a motif of Renaissance art, symbolizes gesture and communication. Correggio’s emphasis on anatomical precision and dynamic pose reflects the period’s interest in humanism and naturalism. This drawing invites us to consider the relationship between the hand as a tool, an expressive instrument, and a symbol of divine creation. It’s a beautiful exploration of form, function, and representation.