An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
Fishing for Souls, Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne, 1614h 98.5cm × w 187.8cm
Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne
oil on panel
In the quiet embrace of a river’s winding path, two worlds found themselves locked in an eternal struggle. On the left bank, the resolute spirits of the Protestants gathered, led by the illustrious Stadholder Prince Maurice and his steadfast brother, Frederick Henry. Alongside them stood their allies, a formidable group that echoed the ideas of reform and change, their thoughts swirling like the rippling waters beneath a clouded sky.
Across the river, a different scene unfolded. The Catholic faction, led by the silk-clad Archdukes Albrecht and Isabella, marked their territory with a regal air, their presence casting shadows on the flickering hopes of the opposers. Here, surrounded by richly adorned banners that fluttered like whispering secrets, the Southern Netherlands rallied, championing tradition and established beliefs.
The river, a serene witness to this ideological showdown, mirrored the tensions tugging at its edges. Each side was determined to claim the hearts and minds of the people, with the gentle current playing host to their fervent exchanges—a dialogue steeped in both passion and rivalry. The distant hum of their voices blended with the soft murmur of the water, as if the very elements of nature were eavesdropping on their aspirations.
In this tableau of belief and ambition, the river not only divided the land but also the ideologies that had shaped lives and legacies. Each side sought to paint their vision of faith upon the canvas of history, guided by their leaders, who bore the weight of their followers’ hopes like an intricate tapestry woven with threads of conviction and desperation.
And so, amidst the rustling leaves and gentle breeze, the teachings, struggles, and dreams of the faithful played out, forever etched in the memory of that quiet river—a testament to the enduring power of belief as humans sought to navigate the tides of faith.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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