John and James 1900

Vasily Polenov captured this scene of "John and James" with oil on canvas. The fishermen in their boats evoke a long-standing symbol. Consider the boat: a vessel carrying life, echoing ancient myths of journeys across water, representing both physical and spiritual passage. The motif is there in the Egyptian solar barques guiding souls to the afterlife, or the boat of Charon in Greek mythology, transporting souls across the river Styx. In Christianity, the boat becomes a direct symbol of the Church. The symbolism evolves, and the fishermen in this painting, much like those in countless biblical scenes, are not merely earning their living, they are being called to a higher purpose, to be “fishers of men.” Polenov's use of this potent symbol taps into a deep well of human experience, connecting viewers to themes of destiny, faith, and the unending quest for meaning. These images resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts.