Painter Petr Brandl, who lived between 1668 and 1735, is a representative of the High Baroque.
Simeon with the Infant Jesus Around 1730 Just as Baroque art is dramatic, so was Brandl’s personal life. The painter was celebrated, sought-after and very well paid. On the other hand, he was imprisoned several times due to his debts. Maybe it was just his bohemian life that enabled him to express human emotions so brilliantly. The painting depicts the biblical story of Simeon with the infant Jesus.
The prophecy said that Simeon would not die until he saw the Messiah. At this very moment we find ourselves in the temple: the old man takes a small child, the infant Jesus, in his arms in whom he recognizes the Saviour. He looks to the heavens with relief, knowing that his life´s journey has been fulfilled. Brandl shows us how masterfully he can work with the painting technique. The light seems flickering and certain parts, such as the old man´s beard and Infant Jesus’ hair, are very thick. The artist impressed the paint with his fingers, rotated the brush and even used its handle to engrave in the canvas.
