To ungarer 1612 - 1681

Erik Rosenkrantz etched “To ungarer” capturing the spirit of 17th-century theatrical fashion. A man is depicted twice, once facing us and once pointing away. Note the gesture of pointing. In ancient Roman art, figures like orators or emperors often extended a hand to direct attention or command authority, a symbol of leadership. We see it echoed through Renaissance paintings, where saints and prophets point towards divine truths, guiding the faithful. Yet, here, the context shifts; it’s not about divine guidance but perhaps stage direction, or maybe playful accusation. This gesture, laden with intent, becomes less about sacred authority and more about human interaction. The act of pointing retains its power to draw attention but the focus shifts from the heavens to the earthly stage. Consider how our collective memory imbues even the simplest gestures with layers of historical meaning, continuously reshaped by the human drama.