BENOZZO GOZZOLI (FLORENCE C. 1421/22-PISTOIA 1497)
The Fall of Simon Magus
c. 1461-2RCIN 403372
This panel tells the story of Simon, a sorcerer, who attempted to ascend to Heaven and so show his superiority over St Peter. However Peter commanded the demons supporting Simon to drop him back to earth. In the foreground stands St Peter with St Paul, highlighted by their gilded haloes. The tale is drawn from the so-called Golden Legend, a medieval publication relating the lives of the saints.