Portret van Johan van der Waeyen 1665 - 1701

Romeyn de Hooghe etched this portrait of Johan van der Waeyen, brimming with symbols of status and virtue. Note the laurel wreath—an ancient Greco-Roman symbol of triumph and honor—framing the composition. The column in the background, a symbol of strength and steadfastness, whispers echoes of classical antiquity, and the open book denotes knowledge and wisdom, signifying Van der Waeyen’s erudition. But look closer at the gesture of his hand—an open palm extended outward. This is a ‘manus aperta’, a gesture deeply rooted in the history of visual culture. From ancient orators to medieval religious icons, the open hand has signified sincerity, truth, and divine blessing. Yet, its meaning is never fixed. Over time, it has also been used to assert power, command obedience, or even offer protection. It embodies a complex interplay of conscious intention and subconscious expression, engaging viewers on a deep, emotional level. And so, the image resurfaces through time, transformed, yet still carrying echoes of its past.