Elymas, the Sorcerer, Struck with Blindness c. 18th century

Curator: This is "Elymas, the Sorcerer, Struck with Blindness" by Thomas Holloway. Editor: Wow, a dramatic moment frozen in time! All those figures, the architecture... it feels like a stage play. Curator: It depicts a scene from the Acts of the Apostles. Elymas, a magician, is struck blind by the apostle Paul for opposing the spread of Christianity. Holloway, who lived from 1748 to 1827, has chosen a powerful narrative. Editor: There's something theatrical about the composition, the way all eyes are directed to Elymas flailing blindly. You almost feel the energy crackling in the air. Curator: I agree. Holloway's piece offers a glimpse into the politics of religious conversion, and how it was depicted in art of the era. It makes you wonder about the power dynamics at play. Editor: Yes, what does it mean for a sorcerer to lose sight? Perhaps losing one's vision opens one to something greater. Curator: An intriguing thought. It gives us much to ponder, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely, art becomes a dialogue across centuries.