Artwork
The Apostle Simon
The Apostle Simon is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Master WH. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Apostle Simon is an early engraving, dated to around 1485 and attributed to the anonymous Master WH. Executed on paper, the print presents a solitary figure in a modest composition, emphasizing line and texture over colour. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C.
Subject & Meaning
The image portrays a man in a long robe, standing on a rocky ledge with bare feet. He holds a book in his left hand, suggesting scholarly or scriptural authority, while his right hand rests on an ornamental post. Rendered in profile, the figure’s unkempt hair and detailed facial features convey a sense of humility and contemplation.
Technique & Style
Created through engraving, the artist employed fine cross‑hatching to model form and generate tonal variation. The light background serves to isolate the figure, allowing the intricate line work to convey texture in the robe, rock, and hair. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance, characteristic of late‑15th‑century Northern printmaking.
History & Provenance
The print has been documented as part of the National Gallery of Art’s holdings, though its early ownership remains unclear. Attributed to the enigmatic Master WH, the work reflects the period’s growing interest in religious portraiture rendered for devotional or instructional purposes.
Artist & collection
