Tvende fruentimmere, halve figurer, conversere 1657 - 1715

Jacob d’Agar painted these two conversing women in the late 17th century. The women's gestures are steeped in symbolism. Notice the delicate hand gestures, almost like those of Renaissance Madonnas, but repurposed here in a secular setting. One woman holds her hand open, a gesture of offering or revelation, reminiscent of ancient Roman orators. Consider Botticelli’s Venus, whose hand mirrors this same gesture, inviting us to partake in divine beauty. This motif transcends mere imitation; it is an echo resonating through centuries. It touches on the collective unconscious, evoking feelings of grace, intimacy, and perhaps a subtle power dynamic. The image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, evoking a sense of shared human experience. These symbols are not static; they evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings, forever entwined with our cultural memory.