Heilige Simon Zelotes 1606

Raffaello Schiaminossi created this etching of Heilige Simon Zelotes, now at the Rijksmuseum, using a play of light and shadow to animate the figure. The composition, dominated by the saint's upper body, draws us into his introspective gaze. Observe the contrasting textures: the smooth halo, the rough-hewn saw, and the intricate lines defining Simon's face and beard. These details contribute to a semiotic reading of the work. The saw, an attribute of Saint Simon, becomes more than a tool; it is a signifier of his martyrdom and a stark emblem of his sacrifice. The saint's somber expression, rendered through meticulous cross-hatching, evokes a sense of profound contemplation. Schiaminossi uses the formal elements of the work to reflect the cultural codes associated with sainthood, challenging viewers to reflect on the cost of faith. The stark lines and contrasting textures create a visual language that speaks to both the physical and spiritual dimensions of the saint's story.