In 't Jaar 1579 c. 1789 - 1810

This anonymous drawing, made in 1579, captures a scene of solemn assembly, where men gather beneath the arches of what appears to be a church or hall. The arches themselves, reaching towards the heavens, evoke a sense of seeking knowledge or understanding. The gesture of the man on the left, turned away from us as he addresses the assembly, is one that has echoed through centuries. Think of the classical orator, hand raised, guiding his audience through rhetoric. Consider its reappearance in countless Renaissance paintings, where figures point to divine truths. The gesture, while subtle, connects this 16th-century gathering to a long line of moments when humans have sought wisdom and clarity. It has been said that history repeats itself, but perhaps it is more accurate to say that history rhymes. Gestures and symbols appear throughout history, evolving as they are passed on. In this small drawing, we find echoes of the past.