Portret van Matthias Johann von der Schulenburg 1712 - 1786

Here is the audio guide script: Giovanni Marco Pitteri created this portrait of Matthias Johann von der Schulenburg using engraving techniques. Observe how Schulenburg’s gesture directs our gaze, a motif echoing the classical world's orators and emperors. This deliberate hand, reaching outward, reappears throughout history in countless variations. Consider the evolution of this gesture. In ancient Rome, it signified command and authority. Yet, as time progressed, it morphed, adapting to new contexts. Think of religious art where a similar gesture might represent blessing or divine guidance. Even today, we see echoes of this pose in political imagery, where it may evoke leadership or vision. How might collective memory influence our perception? This simple gesture, laden with historical weight, engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, triggering associations of power, control, and direction. It’s a symbol that has proven to have a non-linear progression, resurfacing and evolving in various historical contexts, reminding us of art's unique ability to transcend time.