Francisco Ribalta, 'The Vision of Father Simón', 1612
About the work
Overview
Francisco Gerónimo Simón (1578–1612) was parish priest of San Andrés in Valencia. In 1612 he had a miraculous vision: here he is shown kneeling in front of the towering figure of Christ carrying the Cross, tears streaming down his face, as he reaches out to embrace him. Christ is followed by a procession of trumpeting Roman soldiers, Saint John the Evangelist and the Virgin. The soldiers appear squashed and only part of the Virgin is visible now because the painting has been reduced along both vertical sides, and probably along the top.
Ribalta’s signature is placed prominently on a piece of paper lying at Christ’s feet. The picture is dated 1612, the year of Father Simón’s vision and death. A period of fervent devotion to Father Simón followed, until his cult was banned in 1619.
Ribalta worked in Valencia in his late career. His art was strongly influenced by the Italian painters Sebastiano del Piombo and Caravaggio, some of whose works were known in Spain.
Key facts
Details
- Full title
- The Vision of Father Simón
- Artist
- Francisco Ribalta
- Artist dates
- 1565 - 1628
- Date made
- 1612
- Medium and support
- oil on canvas
- Dimensions
- 210.8 × 110.5 cm
- Inscription summary
- Signed; Dated
- Acquisition credit
- Bought, 1913
- Inventory number
- NG2930
- Location
- Not on display
- Collection
- Main Collection
About this record
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