Hecyra, from The Comedie of Terence, 19th century reprint 1485 - 1528

This woodcut, by Albrecht Dürer, illustrates a scene from Terence's comedy, Hecyra, in a 19th-century reprint, presenting a snapshot of Renaissance interpretations of classical drama. The characters' gestures, particularly the open hand and the clasped fingers, are rich in meaning. The open hand signifies communication, truth, and perhaps even a plea for understanding. The clasped fingers, however, suggest tension, concealed intentions, or anxiety. We can see similar expressive gestures in ancient Roman sculptures, where orators often used open hands to emphasize their points, believing that gestures have the power to evoke strong emotions. Think of how, in medieval depictions of the Annunciation, the Virgin Mary often extends her hand in a similar gesture of acceptance or inquiry, as if these symbolic hand movements are woven into the very fabric of our cultural consciousness. These gestures echo through time, resonating with different yet connected emotional states. This non-linear progression shows how gestures reappear, evolve, and take on new meanings throughout history, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.