H. Simon Zelotes 1623

Lucas Kilian created this engraving of “H. Simon Zelotes” sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Kilian was working during the Counter-Reformation, a period when the Catholic Church was actively reaffirming its doctrines and commissioning art to inspire religious fervor. Here, Simon is depicted as a strong, somewhat world-weary figure, carrying a large saw, the symbol of his martyrdom. Kilian’s Simon departs from earlier depictions, in which he is youthful and idealized; instead, Kilian presents him with a weathered face and bare feet. This perhaps reflects the period’s changing attitudes toward religious figures. Simon’s identity as “the Zealot” connects him to Jewish resistance against Roman rule, adding a layer of complexity to his image. He represents faith but also the struggle against oppression. He challenges us to consider the intersection of religious devotion, political resistance, and the cost of standing up for one's beliefs. He reminds us that the act of bearing witness is both deeply personal and profoundly social.