Portret van Pasquier Quesnel 1716

This is Aernout Naghtegael's engraving of Pasquier Quesnel. Notice the book Quesnel presents, opened to the name ‘Iohannis’—John—a figure of immense spiritual weight, associated with profound revelation. This gesture of pointing, of highlighting a sacred text, is a motif echoing through centuries. Think of the prophets pointing towards divine scriptures in medieval tapestries, or even the hand gestures in Renaissance paintings, directing our gaze toward crucial allegorical elements. In a way, Quesnel’s gesture is a reenactment, a conscious or subconscious alignment with a lineage of figures who seek to unveil truth. This act isn't merely informative; it stirs deep emotional and intellectual connections within us. It is as though Quesnel is not just showing us the text but inviting us to partake in a timeless quest for understanding. The image presents a powerful symbol of how knowledge and faith are passed down, transformed, and periodically rediscovered, constantly reshaping our perception of ourselves and the world.