“The Conversion of St Paul,” created by Parmigianino between 1527 and 1528, is an exemplary work from the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. Executed in oil on canvas, this religious painting measures 177.5 x 128.5 cm and is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork depicts the dramatic biblical event of Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. In the foreground, the figure of Saul is shown with an expression of awe and fear, having been struck down and blinded by a divine light emanating from the upper left corner of the painting. His horse rears up, emphasizing the suddenness and intensity of the divine intervention. Parmigianino’s use of dynamic composition, elongated forms, and vivid contrasts of light and shadow are characteristic of the Mannerist style, adding to the overall emotional and spiritual impact of the scene. The landscape in the background, with its serene mountains and rolling hills, contrasts sharply with the turmoil in the foreground, further highlighting the miraculous nature of the event. The artist’s mastery in handling oil paint is evident in the fine details and the ethereal quality of the light, bringing a sense of transcendence to the entire composition.
