Conversion of St. Paul c. 1795

Palma il Giovane made this drawing titled 'Conversion of St. Paul'. The 16th and 17th centuries were periods of deep religious conflict, and this drawing depicts the moment when Saul, a persecutor of early Christians, is transformed into Paul the Apostle. It's a potent image about the possibility of change, even for those who seem set in their ways. In the picture, Saul is on the ground, overwhelmed by a divine light. Notice how his body is twisted and vulnerable, a stark contrast to the soldiers surrounding him. The artist captures a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening. It speaks to the internal struggles we all face when confronted with new ideas or beliefs that challenge our own identity. Consider how the artist uses light and shadow to convey the transformative power of faith and the disruption of old certainties. What does it mean to have one's worldview so completely overturned? This drawing invites us to reflect on the moments in our own lives when we've experienced similar shifts in perspective.