Wonderbare visvangst en wonderbare spijziging 1556

Pieter van der Heyden created this print, "Wonderbare visvangst en wonderbare spijziging," in the 16th century. During this period, religious imagery played a crucial role in shaping social and moral values. Van der Heyden presents us with a biblical scene, but also a tableau reflecting the socio-economic realities of his time. The act of miraculous fishing and feeding is not just a display of divine power, but also subtly comments on the era's issues of food scarcity and social inequality. How are resources distributed? Who has access? These questions permeate the scene. The artist invites us to reflect on the performative aspects of faith and power, while also confronting us with the realities of human need and dependency. This print encourages viewers to consider not only the spiritual narrative, but also its implications for the material conditions of life.