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Gesture Collection (#96)

"Gestures: A Window into History and Culture" From Winston Churchill's iconic V for Victory sign to Fidel Castro's impassioned speeches

Background imageGesture Collection: Newcastle United vs. Brighton and Hove Albion: Premier League Clash at St

Newcastle United vs. Brighton and Hove Albion: Premier League Clash at St. James Park (20th October 2018)
Match action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion at the St James Park, Newcastle, on the 20th October 2018

Background imageGesture Collection: Premier League Showdown: Newcastle United vs. Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James Park (20Oct18)

Premier League Showdown: Newcastle United vs. Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James Park (20Oct18)
Match action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion at the St James Park, Newcastle, on the 20th October 2018

Background imageGesture Collection: Submission of the Britons to the Roman Emperor Claudius, c1787

Submission of the Britons to the Roman Emperor Claudius, c1787. From A New, Universal and Impartial History of England: From the Earliest Authentic Records, and most Genuine Historical Evidence

Background imageGesture Collection: Edward, Prince of Wales, Son of Henry III, killing the Saracen Assassin, c1787

Edward, Prince of Wales, Son of Henry III, killing the Saracen Assassin, c1787
Edward, Prince of Wales, Son of Henry III, killing the Saracen Assassin, who had wounded him with a poisons dagger in Palestine, c1787

Background imageGesture Collection: Cicero throws up his Brief, like a Gentleman, 1852. Artist: John Leech

Cicero throws up his Brief, like a Gentleman, 1852. Artist: John Leech
Cicero throws up his Brief, like a Gentleman, 1852. From The Comic History of Rome, by Gilbert A A Beckett, illustrated by John Leech. [Bradbury, Agnew & Co, London, 1852]

Background imageGesture Collection: Half-Length of an Apostle with his Right Hand Raised, c1480 (1945). Artist: Leonardo da Vinci

Half-Length of an Apostle with his Right Hand Raised, c1480 (1945). Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Half-Length of an Apostle with his Right Hand Raised, c1480 (1945). From The Drawings of Leonardo da Vinci. [Reynal & Hitchcock, New York, 1945]

Background imageGesture Collection: Death of Colonel Donellan, c1896, (1902). Artist: Paul Hardy

Death of Colonel Donellan, c1896, (1902). Artist: Paul Hardy
Death of Colonel Donellan, c1896, (1902). At the Battle of Talavera, Spain, 27-28 July 1809, the British and Spanish army commanded by Wellington won an indecisive victory over the French commanded

Background imageGesture Collection: Mr. Churchill gives the V-Sign to cheering members of the ships crew, 1943-1944

Mr. Churchill gives the V-Sign to cheering members of the ships crew, 1943-1944
Mr. Churchill gives the V-Sign to cheering members of the ships crew as he walks down the gangway of the vessel that took him to America, 1943-44

Background imageGesture Collection: San Giobbe Altarpiece, c1478 (1870). Artist: Franz Kellerhoven

San Giobbe Altarpiece, c1478 (1870). Artist: Franz Kellerhoven
San Giobbe Altarpiece, c1478 (1870). Found in the collection of the Gallerie dell Accademia, Venice. A print from Les Chef D oeuvre de la Peinture Italienne by Paul Mantz, Paris, 1870

Background imageGesture Collection: Jean-Marie Vianney, Cure d Ars, French priest, 1858

Jean-Marie Vianney, Cure d Ars, French priest, 1858. Vianney (1786-1859) was a Catholic parish priest who was made a saint and is the patron saint of all parish priests

Background imageGesture Collection: Statue of St Peter, St Peters Basilica, Rome, Italy. Artist: Underwood & Underwood

Statue of St Peter, St Peters Basilica, Rome, Italy. Artist: Underwood & Underwood
Statue of St Peter, St Peters Basilica, Rome, Italy. This bronze statue of St Peter Enthroned has been attributed to the 13th century sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio although some scholars believe it

Background imageGesture Collection: Plaque binding (plaque de reliure), champleve enamel on copper, 12th century, (1931)

Plaque binding (plaque de reliure), champleve enamel on copper, 12th century, (1931). Found in the collection of the Musee de Cluny. A print from the L Illustration, 1931




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"Gestures: A Window into History and Culture" From Winston Churchill's iconic V for Victory sign to Fidel Castro's impassioned speeches, gestures have long played a significant role in shaping our world. They convey emotions, beliefs, and aspirations that transcend language barriers. In 1942, as the world was engulfed in war, Churchill's defiant gesture became a symbol of hope and resilience. In the realm of entertainment, Jackie Gleason and his fellow cast members from The Honeymooners immortalized their camaraderie through gestures captured in publicity photographs. These gestures spoke volumes about friendship and laughter shared on screen during the 1950s. Gestures also hold historical significance beyond politics and entertainment. Daniel Mendoza's lithograph showcases his boxing prowess while Sigmund Freud's signed photograph captures the enigmatic presence of one of psychology's greatest minds. Artistic expressions often find solace in gestures too. From Christ Pantocrator’s serene encaustic gaze to Nicolas Poussin’s poignant Et in Arcadia Ego painting, these works evoke deep contemplation through subtle hand movements. Religion is replete with meaningful gestures as well. George Whitefield passionately preaching at Moorfields Fair or Fred Astaire gracefully dancing alongside Ginger Rogers demonstrate how body language can inspire faith or captivate audiences with its elegance. Beyond Western culture lies an array of diverse traditions represented by Zeus/Jupiter statues or Hindu goddess Durga sculptures adorning temples across India. Each gesture carries profound spiritual meaning within its cultural context. Lastly, Buddha’s statue from 1790 reminds us of enlightenment achieved through peaceful meditation—a timeless gesture that continues to resonate today. These glimpses into history remind us that they are not mere physical actions but powerful conduits for human expression—bridging gaps between cultures, transcending time itself—and reminding us all that sometimes words are simply not enough to convey what our hearts truly feel.