The Conversion of Saint Paul c. 1600

Caravaggio's "The Conversion of Saint Paul" depicts the dramatic moment when the apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, is blinded by a divine light on the road to Damascus. The painting, created around 1600, showcases Caravaggio's signature use of chiaroscuro, creating a stark contrast between light and shadow. The central figure of Paul is dramatically illuminated, while the surrounding figures are shrouded in darkness, drawing the viewer's eye to the moment of his conversion. The painting's realism and emotional intensity contributed to the development of Baroque art, which emphasized drama, emotion, and theatricality.