Germanicus op zijn sterfbed 1663

This print by Guillaume Chasteau captures the deathbed scene of Germanicus, a Roman general. The dominant symbol here is the raised hand, a gesture seen throughout history. The man in armor, possibly a centurion, raises his hand with his index and middle fingers extended, an ancient symbol of authority and, in some contexts, benediction. We see this motif echoed across time, from emperors addressing their legions to religious figures bestowing blessings. Think of the raised hand of Christ Pantocrator in Byzantine mosaics, or the hand gestures of Roman orators. It has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning to suit new contexts. Psychologically, this gesture taps into our collective memory, stirring feelings of reverence, command, and emotional power. The raised hand, a simple yet potent symbol, serves as a conduit, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The gesture has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, proving that the life of images is non-linear and cyclical.