Visschen 1850 - 1881

This print by Dirk Noothoven van Goor, showcases various scenes related to fishing and the herring trade. Here, the image of the fish transcends its biological reality, becoming a potent symbol laden with cultural and economic significance. Note the recurring image of herring across these scenes. In one panel, herring is hauled from the sea, in another it is being sold, and yet another being smoked. This recalls similar imagery from the Hanseatic League, where the herring was a key commodity, its image emblazoned on trade documents and city seals. Consider also the psychological implications. The act of catching, processing, and selling fish speaks to basic human needs: sustenance, trade, and community. The collective memory of these activities evokes a deep-seated connection to the natural world and to each other, illustrating how seemingly mundane tasks are imbued with ancestral significance. This humble fish, thus, is far more than mere food. It is a potent reminder of our shared history, a symbol of continuity and change.