Portret van Jacob Pietersz. Roman 1670 - 1713

This is Pieter Schenk’s portrait of Jacob Pietersz. Roman, made using the art of engraving. Notice Roman’s hand. The gesture, where the thumb and index finger meet, can be traced back through the centuries. In ancient depictions of Buddha, this very gesture symbolized teaching and reasoning, a sacred attitude. Yet, here, the meaning is far from enlightenment. Roman, an architect, is more likely showcasing precision, a careful calculation, perhaps even divine inspiration in his designs. The symbol has morphed from spiritual wisdom to the calculated precision of the architect. It is a fascinating evolution, one that lays bare how images are not static, but living things.