Portret van Adam Pastor before 1677

Christoffel van Sichem I created this print of Adam Pastor, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Observe Pastor’s hands; they are open and expressive, gesturing in a manner that’s both welcoming and indicative of discourse. This motif of open hands has roots stretching back to antiquity, a symbol of truth, honesty, and divine blessing. We see similar gestures in Roman oratory poses, and even further back in ancient religious iconography, signifying a conduit between the divine and mortal realms. The raised hand reappears through the ages, adopted by Christian preachers to emphasize the importance of their sermons. Consider the emotional weight of this pose. The open hands suggest vulnerability, an invitation to connect. It is a powerful tool for persuasion, tapping into our collective memory, where the act of giving and receiving is primordial. This deeply ingrained symbolism resonates, engaging viewers on a subconscious level and fostering a sense of trust and understanding.