Wonderbaarlijke visvangst Possibly 1630 - 1702

This anonymous engraving, titled "Wonderbaarlijke visvangst," depicts a miraculous catch of fish, a biblical scene rendered with the visual conventions of its time. The image is charged with the complex negotiations of labor, faith, and divine intervention. We see the fishermen struggling with their overwhelming catch, their bodies straining. This labor is contrasted with the figure of Christ, who sits serenely, his gesture suggesting divine command. This contrast reflects the era's deep investment in the relationship between human effort and spiritual grace. Consider how this image might have functioned in the lives of its viewers. The fishermen, likely working class, must have seen themselves reflected in the image. This isn't just a depiction of a miracle, but a representation of their daily lives, their struggles, and the promise of divine assistance in the face of hardship. The engraving then is not just a religious lesson, but a mirror reflecting the social realities and spiritual longings of its time.