Attributed to Alessio D'Elia

Attributed to Alessio D'Elia
The Fall of Simon Magus
Oil on canvas
24 x 15 3/4 inches (61 x 40 cm)
Simon Magus or Simon the Magician was a Samaritan sorcerer of generally villainous character mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles and described in the writings of several early church fathers. According to Cyril of Jerusalem, Simon let it be known that he would ascend to heaven in a chariot drawn by demons, and was actually in flight when the Apostles Peter and Paul prayed that he would be brought down. Their prayers were answered, as shown here.

C