Who painted The Fall of Simon Magus?

The Fall of Simon Magus was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see The Fall of Simon Magus?

The Fall of Simon Magus is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

The Fall of Simon Magus

The Fall of Simon Magus is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The work titled The Fall of Simon Magus, attributed to the artist known as 2007_person, dates to around 1750. It is presently part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and is presented to viewers as a black‑and‑white photographic reproduction of an earlier painted composition.

Subject & Meaning

The scene portrays a figure descending dramatically from the heavens toward a gathering of robed onlookers. The central character, identified as Simon Magus, appears to be in free fall, while the surrounding crowd reacts with alarm and astonishment, suggesting a narrative moment of divine retribution or supernatural intervention.

Technique & Style

The original painting employs strong chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts of light and shadow to model the falling figure and to give depth to the urban backdrop. The composition is framed by architectural elements such as arches and buildings, which help to situate the drama within a cityscape.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑18th century, the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. The photographic image that is now displayed is slightly out of focus, obscuring fine details of the original brushwork, yet it retains the overall dramatic impact intended by the artist.

Context

Depictions of Simon Magus, a figure from early Christian apocrypha known for his attempted flight and subsequent fall, were a recurrent theme in European art of the Baroque period. The work reflects contemporary interests in moralizing narratives and the visual power of celestial punishment.