Simeon holds the Christ child, who is holding an apple. Mezzotint by R. Earlom, 1778, after G. Farington after G. Reni.

In Luke 2.25-35, Simeon is described as an old, devout man "waiting for the consolation of Israel" (in later iconographic tradition he is identified with the high priest of the Temple) who is told by the Holy Spirit that he will see the saviour before he dies. In this scene he looks upon the infant herald of Christianity and utters 'Nunc dimittis'; now he can die. Death and birth and the relations of Christianity to Judaism resonate in this scene

Bible. N.T. Luke 2.25-29. The apple signifies Christ's role as redeemer from original sin

London (Cheapside) : John Boydell, 1 December 1778.

1 print : mezzotint ; platemark 41.7 x 30.3 cm

Simeon and the child. In the salon at Houghton. Size of the picture 2f. 7i. £ by 3f. 7i. high. Guido Rheni pinxit. Rich.d Earlom sculpsit.

Wellcome Collection 24037i