Portret van Jan Albert van den Riethoorn c. 1678 - 1788

This portrait of Jan Albert van den Riethoorn, made by an anonymous artist, captures the essence of a man through the simplicity of line. The subject's left hand is held at his chest, a gesture that speaks volumes. Across cultures and centuries, placing a hand upon the chest has signified sincerity, allegiance, or even supplication. We find echoes of this in ancient Roman oratory and Renaissance portraiture, where similar gestures reinforced a sense of gravitas and truthfulness. Consider how this gesture, laden with historical and cultural meaning, taps into our collective memory. It’s a primal expression, almost subconscious, that transcends mere representation. It is an attempt to convey trustworthiness. The line is not linear but circular. Meaning is in constant flux.