Saint Simeon of Polirone in Jerusalem, Exorcising Demons from Men Possessed after 1516

Bartolomeo Spani created this bronze relief panel depicting Saint Simeon in Jerusalem sometime in the late 15th or early 16th century. Bronze casting is an ancient technology. The artist would have first made a model, likely in wax, carefully carving every detail. This was then used to create a mold, into which molten bronze was poured. After cooling, the mold was broken away, revealing the finished artwork. The whole process requires physical strength and precise skill. The final panel has a warm, burnished surface. You can see the details of the figures and their robes are sharply articulated, which gives the scene a sense of drama. The relief is small in scale, yet the artist has managed to convey a wealth of information. Looking at this piece, it's hard not to admire the artist's command of material, and the way he has used it to bring this religious scene to life. It demonstrates how materials and making processes are crucial to understanding an artwork's meaning and its place in history.