Sermon of St John the Baptist

The story of The Miraculous Catch of Fish is set on the banks of the lake of Gennesaret. Platzer illustrates individual scenes in parallel, such as the crew drawing in the full nets and Simon Peter’s abject submission at the centre. The intense blue of Jesus’ cloak shines out from the crowd of people clad in earthy and pastel tones; his status is enhanced by the whitish light surrounding him, as Simon Peter falls to his knees confessing himself to be a sinner. Jesus reassures him: “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” Among the plants, the palm-tree stands out, conveying the southern ambience of the town, borne out by architectural elements in the tradition of obelisk, colosseum and colonnaded temple.

DUCKE Astrid: Johann Georg Platzer, Sermon of St John the Baptist, object description for the exhibition "Masterworks. Residenzgalerie Salzburg" (23.2.-3.7.2022)