Apostel Simon 1591 - 1646

Editor: This is "Apostel Simon" by Christoffel van Sichem II, made sometime between 1591 and 1646. It's an engraving, a print, and I am immediately drawn to the intricacy of the lines; they create so much depth and texture. What story do you think this work tells? Curator: It whispers tales of unwavering faith, doesn't it? To me, it evokes that potent moment when spirituality intersects with tangible reality. Notice how Simon grips the saw. It’s his attribute, signifier of his martyrdom. Think about the Baroque period. Religious fervor battling emerging scientific rationalism. It makes one wonder, was Simon questioning or embracing? Editor: Questioning versus embracing – I hadn’t considered that! The saw feels more like a burden in his hands than a symbol of his strength. Is that what you mean by questioning? Curator: Exactly! Van Sichem gives him weight, volume… human flaws, shall we say? Baroque is more dramatic and human, deviating from Renaissance idealism. The figure seems to wrestle with the burden of sainthood. The question here becomes, doesn't it, about the role of human emotion within divine narrative. Editor: So, it's not just about Simon's faith, but also about his internal struggle with what that faith demands? Curator: Precisely! It invites us to contemplate not only the stories of saints, but the very human experiences beneath them. To connect with Simon not just as an apostle, but as a man. Editor: That’s a fascinating way to approach this! Thanks for broadening my perspective. Curator: My pleasure! Art’s true magic is indeed, in seeing familiar stories through an unexpected looking glass.