The Fall of Simon Magus 1700 - 1800

"The Fall of Simon Magus" is an anonymous red chalk drawing dating from the 17th or 18th century. The drawing, which is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, depicts the biblical story of Simon Magus, a sorcerer who attempted to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles. In the drawing, Simon falls from the sky, his body twisted in a contorted pose. The artist has used hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of movement and drama, and the use of red chalk contributes to a sense of intensity. The drawing likely served as a preparatory study for a larger painting or fresco. The drawing's style is reminiscent of Italian Renaissance drawings, demonstrating the enduring influence of that period on later artists.