Petrus vindt een munt in een vis 1619 - 1675

Editor: So, here we have Lucas Vorsterman’s engraving, “Peter Finding a Coin in the Fish,” likely created sometime between 1619 and 1675. It's quite striking. The figures are so expressive and tightly packed, almost theatrical. What key elements jump out at you? Curator: The fascinating aspect is how Vorsterman visually translates a religious narrative. Notice the dramatic use of light and shadow— typical of the Baroque style —to highlight Peter's moment of discovery. The fish, the coin… they’re not just objects but powerful symbols. How does this image relate to common iconography about Peter that you may know? Editor: Well, I know Peter is often associated with keys, symbolizing his role as the gatekeeper of Heaven, but here he’s more the fisherman, so more earthy and practical. It’s an interesting contrast. Curator: Precisely. And consider the reactions of the other figures. What do you read from their expressions and postures? Is it disbelief? Awe? Their combined gaze directs us towards the miraculous finding and evokes feelings of faith and divine providence. Editor: I think it’s a mix. Some seem skeptical, others amazed. But the symbols and the expressions create such an intense moment, filled with cultural memory that has persisted through the centuries. Curator: Yes, the image is a convergence of narrative, symbolism, and human psychology, offering insights into how stories and their emotional and ethical meanings endure across time. It reminds me of other symbolic representations and allegories through which the religious messages spread throughout the world, regardless of the era and cultural differences. Editor: It’s amazing how much Vorsterman could communicate through lines in an engraving! Curator: Indeed! This work offers a tangible encounter with enduring values that link to our own experiences of hope and transformation.