Portret van Johann Schwind 1610 - 1648

This engraving depicts Johann Schwind, made by Sebastian Furck in the 17th century. The intricate lace collar and cuffs, along with the floral pattern of the subject's coat, speak of status and wealth in the era of opulent display. Yet, it is the gesture of the hand that intrigues me most. The way the fingers curl inward, gripping something unseen, echoes through history. We find similar gestures in ancient Roman portraiture, a symbol of controlled power and inner resolve. Think of emperors holding orbs or scrolls. But here, the object is absent, replaced by a palpable tension. Is it a memento mori, a reminder of mortality hidden from view? Or perhaps a symbol of personal secrets, held close and never revealed? Such gestures resurface through ages, each time colored by the anxieties and aspirations of its time. The mystery remains, engaging our subconscious and inviting us to contemplate the hidden depths within.