Conjectures about the “man without attributes” ( f85r2 )

[Koen G]

In such MSS where everyone is pointing for no apparent reason, it may have something to do with the text. Particularly, I think it indicates that the pointer is talking to or about the thing or person they are talking at.

In Marco's image, without actually reading the text, I suppose that each man is dispensing advice to the man one step younger than him.

The second man advises the young man to appreciate the flower (youth). The third man's gaze is directed towards the second man, and the raised hand means he has something to say as well. The fourth man is dispensing advice to the third man.

Morality, memento Mori, take care of your soul etc. That's what I suspect this text may be about going by the pointing in the image.