Study of a Right Hand [recto] 

Benjamin Robert Haydon sketched this study of a right hand using graphite. Note the hand's gesture, with two fingers extended upward. This simple hand gesture is one we see echoed through time, evoking a range of meanings. In ancient Rome, a similar gesture signified a blessing or oration. We might recall emperors raising their hands in this manner, connecting with their legions. Centuries later, the same configuration of fingers might convey victory, peace, or even defiance. This duality is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level; it evokes complex emotional states tied to collective memory. Consider how a politician raising two fingers might stir feelings of hope or resistance, depending on the viewer's background. And so, this symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.