Gesloten en open hand 1773 - 1777

This drawing by Jean François Janinet presents us with a closed fist and an open hand, rendered in sanguine chalk. The fist, a symbol of power and defiance, clashes with the open hand, a gesture of offering or supplication. Consider how these motifs echo through art history. The clenched fist appears in Goya’s works, embodying resistance, whereas open hands are seen in countless religious paintings, conveying blessing and grace. Think, for example, of how frequently these same hands appear in Roman art, where emperors often extend an open hand as a sign of generosity and power. The contrast here stirs something primal in us. The fist may trigger collective memories of struggle, while the open hand evokes a sense of vulnerability. This is a visual dance, a powerful engagement of our subconscious, where symbols transcend mere representation, resonating with deeply ingrained cultural memories.