Saint Simon

"Saint Simon" is a distinguished engraving on laid paper created by the German master Albrecht Dürer in 1523. Executed late in the artist's career, this masterful print exemplifies the technical precision and technical refinement Dürer achieved in the medium. As one of the most significant figures of the Northern Renaissance, Dürer transformed the status of the print, elevating it from a craft medium to a recognized high art form. The small scale and meticulous detail inherent in the engraving technique allowed him to imbue his figures with both profound psychological depth and realistic textural quality, evident in the careful cross-hatching and modeling of the subject’s face and robes.

Created between 1501 and 1550, the time of this work’s execution marked a period of immense religious and cultural transformation within German lands. Dürer’s art often fused humanist ideals with the intense spiritual introspection characteristic of the burgeoning Reformation era. His portrayal of the apostle Simon, traditionally identified with fervor and devotion, showcases Dürer’s profound ability to render complex human character through precise line work. The handling of the saint's heavily folded drapery and the clarity of the composition distinguish this piece among the finest examples of prints from the era. Dürer typically focused on individual portraiture within his religious series, ensuring each apostle was monumental and unique, even in miniature form.

The enduring impact of Dürer’s technical innovations and stylistic mastery solidified his international reputation. This important work, along with numerous other significant prints from this prolific artist, is preserved in the collections of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and historical significance, the image is widely shared; high-resolution copies of this seminal work are frequently available through public domain initiatives, allowing widespread access for the study and appreciation of this crucial piece of German Renaissance art.