Close up: Looking at hands in the collection

What can hands tell us about a painting? They express emotion, communicate status, perform work, offer comfort and tell stories through gesture and touch. In this tour, we'll take a closer look at the hands that appear throughout the collection, exploring how artists have used them to convey identity, power, intimacy and meaning. From delicate, symbolic gestures to strong working hands, discover how these often-overlooked details enrich our understanding of each artwork and the people they depict. Along the way, we'll also examine the artists' techniques – from expressive brushwork and careful drawing to the handling of light, texture and detail – to discover how the depiction of hands showcases both technical skill and artistic intention. From Artemisia Gentileschi's remarkable depiction of dimples and knuckles to pentimenti and visible reworkings that reveal an artist's changing ideas, we'll uncover the techniques behind these expressive details. Join us as we look closely at hands to consider artistic skill, creative process and the stories hidden within each work. Access: For Members.