Saint Simon 1612

Curator: Here we have Peter Paul Rubens’ “Saint Simon,” painted in 1612. A wonderful example of his early Baroque portraiture. Editor: He looks so intensely focused. I get the impression of a scholar completely lost in thought...or maybe struggling with really tiny print! Curator: Likely a bit of both, given his age. Rubens presents Saint Simon as an erudite man deeply immersed in his studies. It's part of the broader tradition of portraying saints as learned figures. Editor: You know, the light here really does something. It illuminates his face and the pages so selectively, it almost makes the knowledge within the book glow. As if the act of reading is, itself, divine. Curator: That chiaroscuro is very characteristic of Baroque art, emphasizing drama and emotional engagement, very effective here! What makes it powerful to me is Rubens' understanding of the socio-political role of the Church. The art from that time had the role to create an intellectual support, to give the Church and their figure meaning and intellectual influence, this portrait helped to re-establish that. Editor: That purple robe seems very deliberately draped. So artful! And his weathered hands are almost bursting out of the scene, full of character and life... Rubens' really captures that vulnerability of aging and experience, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Indeed. It’s a portrait designed to evoke piety and reverence, but also one that connects with viewers on a very human level. The aging Saint Simon would be relatable to contemporary observers of the era. Editor: It’s amazing how the best portraits across history can speak so vividly even centuries later. The emotional honesty of Saint Simon reminds us about human history. Curator: Rubens certainly understood how to create images with lasting power, his portrait remains an compelling historical and human testament today. Editor: This portrait invites you in; to study the scripture as if studying yourself, with humanity and humility. What a perfect example!