Apostel Simon c. 1470 - 1491

Curator: Just look at that robe. I want to disappear into those folds, that patient gathering of shadow and light. It feels almost architectural, doesn't it? A cathedral of fabric. Editor: This engraving, *Apostel Simon,* dates to around 1470-1491, created by Martin Schongauer, an influential artist of the Northern Renaissance. It's part of the Rijksmuseum's collection and, despite its age, offers a surprisingly intimate portrayal. Curator: Intimate, yes, despite him being an apostle. But it's his quiet contemplation, head bent over the book... He seems so wonderfully, gloriously, *unaware* of being watched. Makes you wonder what's captured his attention. What worlds he's exploring. Editor: Schongauer’s skill is evident in the precise linework. These prints circulated widely and popularized religious imagery but also displayed and disseminated new engraving techniques. This image shows his influence on contemporaries like Dürer, specifically in creating form and shadow with careful parallel lines. Curator: You know, I've always been drawn to how artists render fabric. The way they suggest weight, texture, even the way light breathes across its surface. And here, it's almost a study in itself, this voluminous cloak... Editor: Considering the materials available, this piece’s historical context really emphasizes the democratizing potential of prints in disseminating information. These works made religious art accessible beyond the confines of churches and wealthy patrons. They fostered a much wider personal engagement with religious subjects. Curator: It is almost dizzying, thinking about how art makes the world a tiny bit more open and interesting for so many people who otherwise might never encounter images or ideas like these. Editor: Yes, and prints helped spread not only knowledge but artistic influence too. Schongauer's innovative techniques really impacted the trajectory of printmaking. Even today, we see echoes of that dedication. Curator: I agree, his craft and curiosity about capturing everyday observation is something to truly appreciate. Editor: Ultimately, “Apostel Simon” really embodies both artistic ingenuity and the shifting social landscape of the late 15th century.