The Fall of Simon Magus 1578 - 1784

This painting, "The Fall of Simon Magus," by an anonymous artist, captures a moment of dramatic reckoning, its dimensions a modest 48 by 38 centimeters. The painting depicts the biblical story of Simon Magus, a sorcerer who, according to Christian tradition, attempted to demonstrate powers equal to those of the apostles. Instead, he plummets from the sky, a stark illustration of the consequences of hubris. The figures surrounding him offer a glimpse into the social dynamics of faith and power; some are awestruck, some fearful, and others seem to be in disbelief. There’s a palpable tension between the spectacle of the fallen magician and the spiritual authority represented by those who witness his demise. The lack of a known artist underscores the period's complex relationship with authorship and the collective construction of religious narratives, inviting us to consider whose stories are told, and whose are left untold. What does it mean that the painter’s identity is lost to time, even as the story of Simon Magus endures?