Ontmoeting tussen Oranje en Mondragon, 1573 1781

Theodoor Koning's etching portrays the 'Meeting between Oranje and Mondragon, 1573'. At its center, a handshake signifies a moment of accord. This gesture, seemingly straightforward, is loaded with historical and cultural weight. The handshake has ancient roots, initially symbolizing the laying down of arms – an open palm demonstrating no concealed weapon. Across centuries, this evolved into a secular symbol of trust, agreement, and reconciliation, a motif echoed in Roman treaties and medieval pacts. Yet, consider its deeper psychological resonance. The act of grasping hands embodies a primal desire for connection. In times of conflict, this simple gesture is a potent bridge across divides. The figures in Koning’s etching, amidst the backdrop of war and political strife, reach out – a gesture of hope, momentarily transcending animosity. As we observe this cyclical pattern, we realize that images persist, evolve, and gain new relevance. These handshakes are not isolated moments but interconnected nodes in a larger web, resonating in our collective memory.