Peters fiskefangst 1765 - 1833

Curator: This engraving, "Peter's Fishing Catch", attributed to Gerhard Ludvig Lahde, and dating from 1765-1833, resides here at the SMK, Statens Museum for Kunst. The print medium offers us a glimpse into the story depicted in the Gospel of Luke. Editor: It's fascinating. There is something immediately compelling about this old engraving style. I am struck by the subtle dynamism created by the many lines, suggesting the shimmering water, and by Peter's stance – so solid, almost triumphant – as he hauls in that impossibly full net. The symbolism is clear and persuasive, don't you think? Curator: Precisely. This moment encapsulates a powerful biblical narrative where the miraculous catch foreshadows Peter's role as a "fisher of men," aligning with broader theological and institutional claims of the Church. The image’s dissemination via prints also contributed to the politics of religious imagery at the time. Editor: The Keys of Heaven resting on the drapery – almost too obvious to notice – it makes the case undeniably. Even the choice of showing a bountiful harvest underscores a spiritual abundance, and the psychological comfort of faith made visible. Look at the humble fishermen in the background; they look in awe. Curator: Right, and placing this particular narrative within a broader artistic context, engraving like this also speaks to shifts in religious pedagogy and the growing importance of visual narratives in popular culture of the era. Note that the Baroque flourish underscores that emotive engagement. Editor: I'm interested by how this piece uses familiar archetypes to convey complex spiritual ideas simply. You have the rugged, hard-working fisherman and the authoritative Saint; how accessible, in a time of widespread social change. The symbolism bridges a gap between the mortal and the divine. Curator: Absolutely. The success and endurance of these kinds of prints rested, I think, on how effectively they could disseminate very particular social and religious values. Editor: Reflecting on it, this unassuming print cleverly merges accessible imagery with potent symbolism. It acts not just as religious art but almost as a piece of collective memory. Curator: Indeed, it highlights the enduring appeal of faith communicated through powerful visual narratives shaped by very real social and political demands.