Simeon recognises the infant Jesus as saviour. Etching by C.W. Weisbrod after Rembrandt, 1627-8.

Anna, the prophetess mentioned in Luke 2.36, stands with her hands open above Simeon, Mary and Joseph, who kneel

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

1628

1 print : etching

Wellcome Collection 22109i