Saint Simon by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1523, is an exquisite example of the Renaissance master's late printmaking work. This engraving belongs to Dürer’s iconic series portraying Christ and the Apostles, created near the end of the artist’s prolific career. As an Apostle who preached in the Near East, Saint Simon is frequently depicted holding the tools of his eventual martyrdom, often a saw or a sword.
In this depiction, Dürer presents the saint in three-quarter profile, his gaze directed upward in contemplation. The work showcases the artist's unparalleled technical mastery of the engraving medium; the intricate cross-hatching and varied line weight give the figure a remarkable sense of volume and texture. The saint's dense beard and detailed facial features are rendered with great precision, characteristic of the Northern Renaissance style. Notably, the saint holds a substantial sword, symbolizing his tragic fate.
Executed the year before Dürer’s death, Saint Simon reflects the maturity and spiritual depth of the artist’s final years. This specific print is part of the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a crucial document of the period's religious and artistic environment. Prints by Dürer from this period are highly prized for their clarity and emotional power, and many are now in the public domain, allowing broader study of this influential German artist.
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