Portret van Richard Hol 1856 - 1867

Wilhelmus Cornelis Chimaer van Oudendorp created this portrait of Richard Hol using lithography. Hol sits with his arms crossed, a gesture laden with meaning throughout history. Consider the self-assured pose—arms folded, a sign of contemplation or even defiance. We see this motif echoing through time, from ancient sculptures to modern portraits, each instance subtly shifting in its implications. In earlier eras, crossed arms might signify royalty, power, or authority. Yet, as we approach the modern era, the gesture takes on new psychological weight. It becomes a visual shorthand for introspection, self-containment, or even resistance. The adoption of such poses speaks to the enduring human need to project strength, intellect, and perhaps a degree of guardedness. The emotional power of this image resides in its subtle conveyance of a complex inner life, reflecting a rich tapestry of human experience. A potent symbol, echoing across eras, continually shaped by culture and memory.