Saint Peter and Simon Magus

Art Historical Context

Benozzo Gozzoli, a prominent 15th-century Italian of the Early Renaissance, crafted this tempera on wood panel, *Saint Peter and Simon Mag*, showcasing his mastery of vibrant colors and intricate details typical of the medium. Tempera, made from pigments mixed with egg yolk, allowed for luminous effects and fine brushwork on the wooden support, a favored technique for devotional panels before oil painting dominated. Measuring 15¾ x 18 inches, this intimate work draws viewers into a dramatic biblical confrontation. The scene illustrates a pivotal episode from the Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 8), where Saint Peter, the first Pope, rebukes Simon Magus, a Samaritan sorcerer who sought to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit—giving rise to the term "simony" for the buying of church offices. Tags hint at supernatural elements, likely depicting demons or magical forces, emphasizing Peter's triumph over pagan sorcery through divine faith. Gozzoli's narrative style, influenced by his teacher Fra Angelico, blends religious fervor with humanistic expression. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1915, this painting from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Paintings collection highlights the Renaissance fascination with apostolic legends, serving as both spiritual instruction and artistic showcase for medieval and early modern audiences.