Von Weihern und Fischteichen, illustration from Petrarch, Glück und Unglück Spiegel, figure 65 1652

Balthasar Schwan produced this illustration, Von Weihern und Fischteichen, as part of Petrarch's Glück und Unglück Spiegel. The German engraving shows an idealized vision of the leisure pursuits enjoyed by the wealthy. Notice the contrast between the elegantly dressed figures fishing from boats, and the woman seated on the bank, perhaps preparing bait, or mending nets. This contrast hints at the social stratification of the time. The detailed rendering of the fishponds and equipment reflects the growing interest in technology and resource management in the early modern period. The decorative border, reminiscent of a garden, creates a sense of refined pleasure. Prints like this circulated widely in 17th-century Europe, offering moral instruction alongside visual delight. By examining the print's imagery and text, and by researching the social and economic history of the period, we can gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. Art is always contingent on social and institutional context.