Het afzweren van Filips II door de Staten, 1581 1786

Reinier Vinkeles etched this print depicting the ‘Act of Abjuration’ in 1781. The dominant visual symbol here is the raised hand with two fingers extended, a gesture laden with historical and cultural weight. In this context, it represents the act of taking an oath, a solemn promise of allegiance or, in this case, disavowal. This gesture echoes ancient Roman traditions, where orators would raise their hands to emphasize their words, seeking divine approval. The act of swearing, deeply ingrained in the human psyche, evokes a sense of moral obligation and collective memory. Consider how similar gestures appear in Renaissance paintings, where saints and prophets raise their hands in benediction or pronouncement. However, in this print, the raised hand signifies not divine affirmation but a defiant rejection of earthly authority, echoing through history. This potent image engages our subconscious, reminding us of the power of collective action and the enduring quest for freedom. This symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.