Maaltijd in Emmaüs 1738 - 1783

Bernard Verschoot etched this depiction of the Meal at Emmaus in the 18th century. The composition is dominated by the risen Christ, his figure emerging from a bright, cloud-like formation as his bewildered companions look on. Notice the gesture of the disciples; their raised hands, expressing awe and recognition, echo across centuries. This motif of uplifted hands appears in ancient Roman art, where orators and emperors alike used it to command attention and respect. In religious contexts, it transcends mere communication, symbolizing a connection with the divine, a plea, or a moment of ecstatic revelation. Consider the emotional resonance of this image, the very human reaction of astonishment. Such gestures tap into our collective memory, speaking to the subconscious recognition of profound moments, when the veil between the earthly and the divine seems to thin. The gesture of raised hands, a potent symbol across cultures and ages, continues to evolve, resurfacing in various forms. This symbol reminds us of art’s power to transcend time, carrying emotional and psychological weight.