Portrait of Cornelis Aerentsz van der Dussen (1481-1556) c. 1555 - 1570

Jan van Scorel painted this portrait of Cornelis Aerentsz van der Dussen, capturing the sitter’s likeness and social standing through symbolic details. Note the sitter’s right hand, held in a gesture that might seem casual but carries a rich history. The extended index and middle fingers, while seemingly benign, echo the ancient "benedictio latina," or Latin blessing, a gesture used in religious art to invoke divine favor or authority. This gesture appears across centuries, from early Christian mosaics to Renaissance paintings, always imbued with a sense of power and spiritual significance. Observe how it resurfaces, transformed, in later secular contexts, perhaps losing its overt religious meaning but retaining an echo of its authoritative origins. The ring on his other hand, combined with the Latin blessing, engage viewers on a subconscious level. These are not merely decorative details, but rather powerful symbols that tap into our collective memory, evoking feelings of respect and perhaps even a hint of awe. This cyclical progression of symbols allows us to access layers of meaning that resonate across time and culture.