Scène uit de komedie Adelphoe van Terentius 1716 - 1718

This etching by Bernard Picart illustrates a scene from Terence's comedy "Adelphoe," featuring figures draped in classical robes, set against a backdrop of Roman architecture. The gestures are particularly evocative. Notice how the characters extend their hands—a motif resonating through history, symbolizing offering, conflict, or negotiation. Consider the motif of draped figures: it's not merely about clothing, but rather, it represents the weight of tradition and the continuity of classical ideals. These figures echo those found in ancient Roman sculptures, yet they are reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Observe the dynamic tension created by the outstretched hands and the rippling fabric of their garments. This is a visual language that taps into our collective memory, evoking the same emotional and psychological responses to gestures that have been passed down through generations. These gestures resurface time and again, evolving in meaning yet retaining a primal emotional charge.