Saint Paul Surrounded by Disciples after His Lapidation at Lystra (Acts 14:20) 1590 - 1618

Giovanni Guerra created this pen and wash drawing, "Saint Paul Surrounded by Disciples after His Lapidation at Lystra (Acts 14:20)," to visualize a pivotal moment of faith and perseverance. Guerra, working in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, was deeply embedded in the religious and artistic climate of Counter-Reformation Rome. This drawing captures the aftermath of an attempted stoning of Saint Paul. He is depicted here, surrounded by his devoted followers, after surviving the ordeal. The expressions and gestures of the disciples convey a sense of collective anxiety and care. Guerra masterfully portrays their concern but also underscores their unwavering faith in the face of adversity. The drawing is a testament to the resilience of belief and the power of community in the face of persecution. It is a reflection of the artist's own deep seated religious convictions, and invites us to contemplate our own beliefs.