Scène uit de Aeneis: Aeneas en een vrouw 1746

Pieter Tanjé's Scene from the Aeneid, an engraving of the 18th century, depicts Aeneas and a woman, possibly Venus, amidst chaos. Notice the recurring symbol of the guiding hand, an archetypal gesture seen across cultures, directing heroes and mortals alike. This motif echoes in classical art where deities often point the way, signifying divine intervention and destiny. It’s a hand that leads, mirroring similar gestures in Renaissance paintings where saints guide the faithful, or even in ancient Egyptian art, where gods direct pharaohs. This gesture isn’t just about direction; it's about power, control, and the unfolding of fate. In each context, the guiding hand takes on nuances, shifting from divine command to moral guidance. Think about how this symbol has persisted, evolving through time, embedded in our collective unconscious, resurfacing in art as a potent reminder of forces beyond our control.