Saint Simon 1726

Etienne Brion created this print of Saint Simon, a disciple of Jesus, sometime in the 18th century. During this period, the Catholic Church played a significant role in shaping the social and cultural values of French society. Brion's print participates in the traditional depiction of saints: Simon is kneeling in prayer and the text describes his divine abilities to heal the sick and raise the dead. Yet, we might consider the emotional implications of this imagery. The kneeling figure is set against the backdrop of a crude landscape. There is something very human about the figure’s vulnerability. In this moment of devotion, is Saint Simon empowered or defeated? Ultimately, Brion's print prompts a reflection on the intersection of faith, power, and human fallibility, inviting us to consider the complex relationship between individuals and institutions.