Vissen 1850 - 1881

This print by Dirk Noothoven van Goor, titled "Vissen," presents us with scenes of leisurely fishing, a motif steeped in rich cultural and historical symbolism. Fishing, in its most basic sense, represents sustenance and survival. However, it transcends mere practicality, taking on allegorical dimensions. Consider the pervasive image of the "fisher of men" in Christian iconography, where the act of casting a net becomes a metaphor for spiritual guidance and conversion. Furthermore, water, an essential element of fishing, often symbolizes the unconscious mind and the depths of human emotion. In various traditions, water is a source of life and rebirth. By observing these people in their pursuit of fish, we see echoes of humanity's timeless connection to nature and the profound symbolism embedded in this simple act. These collective memories are resurfaced, demonstrating the cyclical progression of symbols across time.