Portret van Murad II 1549 - 1575

This is an engraving of Sultan Murad II, created by an anonymous artist. Observe the ram heads decorating the frame; in antiquity, the ram was often a symbol of virility, of action, and of leadership. Consider the ‘Sign of the Hand,’ the gesture Murad II makes with his right hand. It re-emerges throughout history. We see it echoed in depictions of Roman emperors, conveying authority and control. However, it's also present in religious art, where it signifies blessings. Reflect upon the potential evolution of the ‘Sign of the Hand.’ Originally a symbol of earthly power, it was re-coded to embody divine grace, demonstrating the fluidity of symbols and the complex interplay between our conscious intent and subconscious memory. This resonates with an emotional need for control that transcends time and culture. In the end, we are left contemplating a symbol that reflects the eternal human desire for power, whether temporal or divine.