Visvangst met sleepnet 1582 - 1633

Philips Galle created this engraving titled Visvangst met sleepnet, or "Fishing with a dragnet," sometime in the late 16th century in the Netherlands. Galle's detailed rendering of a communal fishing scene gives us a glimpse into the complex social structures of the time. Notice how the act of fishing is presented not just as a means of sustenance, but also as a social activity. Galle was working during a time of religious reformation and political upheaval, and his art often reflected the everyday life and cultural values of his society. The presence of religious figures overseeing the fishing hints at the Church's influence, while the labor itself appears to be carried out by the working class. This image presents an interesting look at the intersection of labor, community, and authority in the 16th century. It invites us to consider how these societal elements shape our own identities and experiences.