The Miraculous Catch of Fish

The Miraculous Catch of Fish is described in the Gospels according to Matthew and Mark, but in most detail by Luke (Matthew 4, 18–22; Mark 1, 16–20; Luke, 5, 1–11).
Platzer illustrates individual scenes of the story in parallel. After Jesus has spoken to them, the crowd on the shore and in the architectural background sees how Simon Peter and his crew, having caught nothing all night, draw in nets full to bursting. Then Simon Peter falls to his knees before Jesus, accusing himself as a sinner. Jesus reassures him, saying: “Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”
The gestures and expressions of the people gathered in the left foreground focus on the main scene around Jesus and Simon Peter. Four muscular men strain to draw in the brimming nets. The variety of marine animals lying on the shore and the detailed anatomy illustrate Platzer’s talent for acute observation. Groups of people are following events with avid interest. The artist has arranged the shadowy scene in the foreground like a frame and, by means of the baroque structure, guides the viewer’s eye into the depths of the landscape. From amid the mass of people clad in earthy and pastel tones, the intense blue of Jesus’ cloak shines forth. His status is further enhanced by the whitish light surrounding him.

DUCKE Astrid: Platzer Johann Georg, The Miraculous Catch of Fish, in: DUCKE Astrid, HABERSATTER Thomas, OEHRING Erika: Masterworks. Residenzgalerie Salzburg. Salzburg 2015, p. 106