Brief aan Liévin Amand Marie De Bast 1800 - 1859

This letter was composed by Jozef Geirnaert in Paris on March 28, 1827. Contained within this missive is a recurring motif: the hand, though implied, its presence echoes through promises and acknowledgments. The gesture of giving and receiving, seen in Geirnaert's acknowledgement of gratitude and satisfaction with De Bast. Consider the evolution of the hand motif in antiquity, a symbol of power and benediction in Roman imperial imagery. Here, in Geirnaert’s letter, the hand relinquishes its divine authority, instead extending an offer of friendship and service. It is a gesture of human connection, echoing through history, manifested on the page in ink. The act of writing itself becomes a symbolic extension of the hand. The pen translates thoughts and emotions, conveying the author's inner state. As Geirnaert expresses his devotion, he subconsciously invites us to reflect on the profound influence of these symbols that have permeated human expression across centuries. The presence of a signature also underscores the importance of personal connection and the intention behind the message. The hand reappears, constantly evolving, connecting us through time.