Fotoreproductie van een gravure van De wonderbare visvangst door Schelte Adamsz. Bolswert, naar het schilderij door Peter Paul Rubens before 1858

Editor: So, this is a photogravure of "The Miraculous Draught of Fishes," made before 1858 by Schelte Adamsz. Bolswert, after a painting by Peter Paul Rubens. The printmaking technique creates a very textural effect. It almost feels like you can see the effort of hauling in the impossibly full net, but I'm wondering about the story behind this scene and its visual impact at the time. What can you tell me about the history of this work? Curator: Well, thinking about the socio-political context of Rubens and later Bolswert, this image operates on multiple levels. On one hand, it is a straightforward representation of a biblical miracle, meant to inspire faith. On the other, Rubens was a master of Baroque drama and employed this in the service of religious and political propaganda. What purpose might a narrative such as this serve for the powerful members of the church and aristocracy at this moment? Editor: Perhaps by emphasizing faith and divine intervention, it reinforced existing power structures? That this system had divine support. It sounds cynical to say aloud. Curator: Exactly! Reproductions like this one extended the reach of such visual narratives to a wider audience. It's not just about the beauty or the technique, but about the ideas and social meanings that it conveys and reinforces. This was particularly potent within the context of the Counter-Reformation where the imagery becomes explicitly didactic. Editor: So, this isn't just a picture, it’s an instrument of cultural and religious power! A meticulously crafted statement embedded in its historical context. Curator: Precisely! Recognizing this expands how we appreciate not just the piece's artistic elements, but also its contribution to shaping cultural norms and social narratives. This lens makes the artwork more interesting, I believe. Editor: Definitely. It adds another dimension that deepens my understanding of its meaning. Thank you!