Saint Simon

"Saint Simon," a 1519 print by Hans Baldung, offers a striking depiction of the Christian apostle. Held in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, this piece showcases Baldung's mastery of the print medium. Notice the way Saint Simon stands in profile, his gaze directed to the left. His aged features, etched with detail, convey a sense of wisdom and experience. The large saw he holds, his traditional attribute, hints at the manner of his martyrdom. Baldung masterfully uses variations in line weight and hatching, creating a sense of volume and depth that makes Saint Simon seem almost three-dimensional. The radiant background further emphasizes the saintly aura of the figure. Be sure to look for the artist's monogram, "HB," discreetly placed in the lower right corner, a testament to Baldung's skill and artistry.