Book Title: D. Nicolao Simonellio picturae omniumq[ue] bonarum artium cultori eximio : genio tuo obsequor, gratiam quaero, Nicolae praestantissime eruditis oculis tuis admiranda Raphaelis Vrbinatis monumenta subijcio, tuoque nomini dico : dum enim ipsa, meis typis, eduntur, tu, qui pictorem principem, summo studio, prosequeris, dignus profecto es, qui eius quoque gloriae comes prodeas, et eniteas / deditissimus seruus Io. Iacobus de Rubeis ; Raphael Sanctio Vrbin. inu. ; Petrus Sanctus Bartol. dil. et sc.

Author: Raphael, 1483-1520

Image Title: Simon the Sorcerer

Scripture Reference:

• Acts 8 (further images / scripture text)

Description: This image is based on a story in the New Testament apocryphal writing "Acts of Peter and Paul" or "Passion of Peter and Paul". Pictured is a debate said to have taken place in the Roman Forum. On the left is Simon Magus levitating, a practitioner of sorcery from Samaria who is mentioned in Acts 8:4-25 and whom the Gnostic heresy of Simonianism is named. To the right of him are two guards and Peter and Paul. On the right is Emperor Nero and his attendants. By Pietro Santi Bartoli (1635-1700) after Raphael (1483-1520), published by Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi (1627-1691). The text can be read "Simon's magic trick raises him to Heaven while Nero observes, Disciple Peter's prayer for falling".

Click here for additional images available from this book.

Request a high-resolution file (fees apply)

Rights Statement: The online edition of this work in the public domain, i.e., not protected by copyright, has been produced by Pitts Theology Library, Emory University.
Rights Status: No Copyright - United States
Pitts Theology Library provides copyright information as a courtesy and makes no representation about copyright or other legal status of materials in the Digital Image Archive.