Daniël 1613

Cornelis Galle I created this engraving of Daniel, a figure revered for his faith and resilience, sometime before 1650. The symbol of Daniel in the lion’s den speaks to themes of divine protection. Observe Daniel’s hand gesture. It is not unique to this image, but echoes through time, appearing in various contexts. Think of the hand gestures in classical rhetoric or religious iconography, like the "benedictio latina" in early Christian art. The raising of fingers conveys authority and a connection to the divine, a visual language that bridges centuries. Consider how such gestures evolve and are reinterpreted. In the medieval era, similar gestures might signify blessings or divine favor. What subconscious forces drive artists and viewers to imbue these gestures with meaning? It’s as if the collective memory recognizes these symbols on a primal level. This visual language—the image of Daniel, the hand gesture—reveals a non-linear progression. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.