Reproductie van een gravure van een portret van Lucas Faydherbe door Pieter de Jode (II) before 1877

This is Joseph Maes’s reproduction of a portrait of Lucas Faydherbe, rendered as an engraving. Consider Faydherbe's hands—one gently resting upon the other. This gesture isn't merely casual; it speaks to a lineage of representation, echoing through time. Think of ancient Roman sculptures, where orators and emperors alike adopt similar poses to project authority and control. Yet, here, the gesture is softened. The motif of hands, especially in portraiture, carries a profound psychological weight. They are symbols of action, creation, and connection, yet here they are stilled, suggestive of contemplation and perhaps a touch of melancholy. This portrayal taps into our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations with power, intellect, and human vulnerability. These symbols persist, their meanings layered and transformed, constantly engaging us in a dialogue between past and present.