The Conversion of Saint Paul 1612 - 1670

Johannes Meyssens created this engraving, "The Conversion of Saint Paul," sometime in the 17th century. Meyssens, who lived in Antwerp, would have understood the power of religious imagery. The scene depicts the Apostle Paul's dramatic encounter with the divine. What’s interesting is that in this version of the story, all the figures around Paul seem to be in a state of total chaos. We see men and horses thrown into disarray by the heavenly vision. This interpretation removes Paul from his individual experience and places it within the context of the collective. In doing so, Meyssens blurs the line between the individual and the community. Paul’s conversion becomes a shared, transformative moment, suggesting a communal awakening. The engraving reflects both personal spiritual experiences and broader societal transformations during a time of religious conflict and change.