“The Miraculous Draught of fishes”, Jacopo Bassano, 1545, National Gallery of Art, Washington.
In 1545, Pietro Pizzamano, who was governor of the Italian town of Bassano del Grappa, about 65km from Venice, commissioned this work. What he got for his money is this most beautiful painting of the miraculous haul of fish. At the time this artist who became known as Jacopo Bassano was an established artist with a studio who worked with his sons. Today their works are in every major collection. Bassano often based his compositions on prints of the works of other artists. This one is based on a print (see below) by Ugo da Carpi It shows Rafael’s tapestry cartoon for the same subject in 1515. The original cartoon is now in the V&A ( see below). Bassano reverses the prints composition and adds a beautiful palette of colour and much detail. Christ now sits on the left, as in the cartoon. He is in the boat of Peter, who kneels before him, pleading that he leave him alone. His brother Andrew is standing as he balances himself on the same boat and moves towards Christ. James and John are focused on hauling in the net full of fish. Like Rafael, Bassano shows their arms bare so that you sense the strain in their muscles. Their father, Zebedee, steers the boat to keep it alongside that of Peter. These three are intent only on the hauling in the fish whereas, on the left, Peter and Andrew are intent only on the words of Christ. Rafael’s cartoon shows the shore line, but Bassano follows the print which shows only water so that the two boats which span the width of the canvas are the only foot hold in the scene. Isn’t there a hidden invitation to the viewer that he or she might also move towards Christ as does Andrew, whose billowing cloak suggests the power of the Holy Spirit? Bassano brings the two boats so close to the viewer that you might almost climb on board. The cloak is Bassano’s invention as are the rich and brightly coloured garments set against a broad expanse of blue water with the town of Bassano underneath the actual Monte del Grappa. Bassano was a keen observer of landscape and nature. His works always include birds or fish or animals. Here we see the fish as they are hauled from the water. What I love about this work is that Bassano conveys not just the drama, but the beauty, of the moment. (left to right Ugo de Carpi’s print, Rafael’s cartoon)
The Catholic Chaplaincy serves the students and staff of the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University.
The Catholic Chaplaincy is also a parish of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh (the Parish of St Albert the Great) and all Catholic students and staff are automatically members of this parish.
Follow us for news updates and inspiration. Website design by Colour Rich
St Albert's Catholic Chaplaincy is part of the English Province of the Order of Preachers, a charity registered in England and Wales (231192) and in Scotland (SC039062).