Bekering van Paulus 1629 - 1740

Christoffel van Sichem II created this small woodcut titled ‘Bekering van Paulus’ sometime between 1581 and 1658. Sichem lived during a period of intense religious conflict and transformation in Europe, namely the Reformation. The image depicts the biblical story of Saul’s conversion to Christianity. Saul, who persecuted early Christians, is dramatically struck down by a blinding light on the road to Damascus. The print captures a pivotal moment of transformation, where an identity built on persecution is shattered, giving way to a new faith. The emotional and physical impact on Saul suggests the profound inner turmoil and the overwhelming power of divine intervention. Sichem's choice to depict this particular narrative during the Reformation underscores the broader themes of religious conversion and the search for spiritual truth. The image suggests both the destructive potential of religious zealotry and the possibility of redemption through faith.