Artwork
St Simon the Apostle (also known as St Simon the Zealot or Simon the Cananite
St Simon the Apostle (also known as St Simon the Zealot or Simon the Cananite is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Georg Gsell. It dates from 1729 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
St Simon the Apostle is a 1729 oil painting by Georg Gsell, a Swiss artist active in the early 18th century. The work is part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Saint Simon, an apostle of Jesus Christ, shown with a long white beard and brown hair, wearing a green robe and red cloak. He holds a saw, an attribute associated with his identity or martyrdom.
Technique & Style
Gsell employed chiaroscuro, using a dark background to create contrast and depth in the composition. The use of oil paint allowed for rich, detailed rendering of the subject's attire and facial features.
History & Provenance
Gsell created the painting in 1729, after relocating to Russia in 1716 under the patronage of Peter the Great. The work is now held in the State Hermitage Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Georg Gsell (Russian: Георг Гзелль; 28 January 1673 – 22 November 1740) was a Swiss Baroque painter, art consultant and art dealer.
