Saint Paul Speaking before King Agrippa (Acts 26) 1573

Giorgio Vasari created this pen and brown ink drawing, titled *Saint Paul Speaking before King Agrippa (Acts 26)*. Vasari, an Italian painter, architect, and writer, lived in a time when the church was still the main patron of the arts. The drawing depicts a biblical scene where Saint Paul defends himself before King Agrippa. The figures are set within a grand architectural space, an indicator of power and authority. Vasari places the viewer in the midst of a pivotal moment, the defense of one's faith before earthly authority. The figures of authority are depicted in the canonized style of idealized beauty, and the artist emphasizes their composure and controlled posture. The tension between spiritual conviction and earthly power is a poignant and compelling subject in this historical moment. The drawing allows us to reflect on the intersection of faith, power, and identity. How do we navigate conflicting beliefs, and what does it mean to stand up for one's convictions in the face of authority?