Portret van Filips de Goede c. 1628 - 1688

This is an engraving of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, made by an anonymous artist. Dominating the composition is the figure of Philip, adorned with symbols of power and nobility. His clothing and jewelry speak to his status, and the sword and coat of arms to his left symbolize his authority and lineage. Consider the raised hand of Philip. This gesture, a symbol of authority and benediction, echoes through centuries. We see it in ancient Roman oratory, where the speaker commanded attention with a similar gesture. Later, in Christian art, Christ raises his hand to bless his followers, and leaders employ a similar expression to consecrate power and convey legitimacy. The persistence of this gesture is no accident. It taps into a collective understanding of authority, resonating across time. It is a visual echo of power that engages viewers on a subconscious level.   Ultimately, symbols like the raised hand remind us that history is not linear, but cyclical, with certain gestures resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different contexts.