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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 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

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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