Simeon with the Infant Jesus

This painting is rightfully considered to be one of the pinnacles of this painter’s production – not only for its high quality, but also thanks to its original brushwork. Perhaps nowhere else did Brandl express himself so freely – the paints were applied in several thick layers and the effect of flickering light even enhanced the force of his artistic expression. Numerous period and later copies attest to the importance of this work. Apart from the energetic brushstrokes, the painter used his fingers to apply the paint, at other places traces of the brushholder can be seen. In some parts of the canvas, Brandl’s dynamic, even eruptive painting process led to a deformation of the shapes. In a briliant manner he managed to capture the joy and emotion of old Simeon over infant Jesus, in whom he recognized the future Messiah. Simeon was in fact destined by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he beheld the Saviour of this world: “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” (Luke 2, 29–30)