Wonderbare visvangst 1502 - 1532

Ugo da Carpi made this chiaroscuro woodcut, *Wonderbare visvangst*, in Italy during the early 16th century. The print depicts a scene from the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus instructs his disciples to cast their nets again, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. Da Carpi's print, made using a method that creates tonal contrasts, reflects a growing interest in the effects of light and shadow during the Renaissance. This print, however, is more than just a display of technical skill. It makes reference to the institutions of the Church through its iconography. The story in the Gospel can be interpreted in relation to the papacy, as in this period it presented itself as the successors to Saint Peter, the fisherman. To fully understand this work, we can research the history of religious imagery and the relationship between art and the Church during the Renaissance. We can then appreciate the extent to which art is deeply embedded in social, political, and institutional contexts.