Christ Telling His Disciples of the Parable of the Dragnet c. 1576 - 1580

This engraving by Léonard Gaultier illustrates Christ imparting the parable of the dragnet to his disciples. Dominating the scene is the symbolic dragnet itself—a potent emblem of divine judgment and selection. This net gathers all kinds of fish, reflecting the indiscriminate nature of spiritual calling, where the good and the bad are gathered together. Consider the symbolism of the fish. In early Christian iconography, the fish—or “ichthys” in Greek—served as a covert symbol of Christ. It's a symbol that predates the cross. You can see how the dragnet brimming with fish carries layers of meaning, hinting at the ultimate separation of souls. The act of sifting through the catch, separating the valuable from the worthless, appears throughout time, and is an allegory of discrimination and moral choice. This theme transcends religious art, surfacing in secular contexts to express social hierarchies, where a select few are deemed worthy. It's a persistent human impulse reflecting our deep-seated need for order. Just think of how this same imagery can evoke intense psychological unease. The awareness of being assessed, and of the potential for rejection. In contemplating this image, we become immersed in the profound ways in which symbols resurface, evolve, and continue to exert their influence, connecting us to ancestral fears and hopes.