Hand placement/gestures.

[alfredo]

I am looking for a guide dealing with the placement of hands in portraits. Hand placement carries meaning, and I want to use that to transmit my impression of the person. I will not use it in a negative way.

[CurtEastPoint]

1. Not trying to be flip but...

DId you try this

https://www.google.com/search?q=placement+of+hands+in+portraits&oq=placement+of+hands+in+portraits&aqs=chrome..69i57&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

[alfredo]

2. Thanks. I am looking for something along the lines of Renaissance paintings.

The placement of hands and gestures have meaning.

This hand gesture is the spelling of Jesus, IC XC.


The Famous hand in the Tunic paintings of the Napoleon conveys power, and status.



Often there is "editorial" content in a painting. Grant Wood's "American Gothic" is reputed to be satire.

[Olive Birch]

3. New Age food for thought

and because in the picture you posted, the hand gesture reminded me of a 'mudra', consider these (which admittedly would look out of place in a Renaissance inspired portrait).

http://healing.about.com/od/east/ig/Mudra-Gallery/

[alfredo]

4. King of hands is Yousuf Karsh.

[Olive Birch]

5. Agreed

although sadly the Audrey Hepburn is handless, albeit stunning.

[alfredo]

6. Her face is more than enough. What a beauty