De roeping van Simon Petrus en Andreas 1673 - 1763

This red chalk drawing depicts the biblical scene of Jesus calling Simon Peter and Andrew to become his disciples, and was made by Herman Coets who was active at the end of the Dutch Golden Age. At a time when the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, Coets situates the moment of divine calling amidst the daily toil of labor. Consider how class is portrayed. The fishermen are depicted as muscular and sun-worn, their labor etched onto their bodies, while Jesus remains pristine, his robe perfectly white. The contrast speaks volumes about the social hierarchies embedded in religious narratives, which were created and consumed within the context of 17th century Dutch society. The image asks us to consider the intersection of faith, labor, and social identity. It makes visible the everyday lives of working people while presenting a narrative about the possibility of spiritual transformation.