The artwork “Conversion of Saint Paul” was created by the artist Caravaggio in the year 1600. It is an oil painting on wood, measuring 237 cm by 189 cm. The piece is attributed to the Baroque movement and exhibits the dramatic use of light and shadow known as Tenebrism. This religious painting is part of the Odescalchi Balbi Collection located in Rome, Italy.
The “Conversion of Saint Paul” by Caravaggio captures a critical moment from the New Testament, where Paul the Apostle (formerly Saul of Tarsus) experiences a vision that leads to his conversion to Christianity. In the painting, we see Paul thrown off his horse and lying on the ground, as a blinding light from above indicates the presence of the divine. His arms are stretched out, and his hands shield his eyes from the miraculous light, illustrating his moment of revelation. The dramatic chiaroscuro (contrast between light and dark) enhances the emotional intensity of the scene. Surrounding Paul are his travel companions and a spooked horse, all painted with meticulous detail and realism characteristic of Caravaggio’s style. The composition, with its foreshortened perspective and use of light to highlight the central figure, draws the viewer’s focus directly to the spiritually transformative experience of Paul.