Conversion of Saint Paul 1612 - 1666

This drawing by Italian Baroque artist Pier Francesco Mola depicts the biblical story of the Conversion of Saint Paul, a pivotal moment in the development of Christianity. Mola’s dramatic composition captures the moment when the apostle, formerly known as Saul, is thrown from his horse and blinded by a divine light. The drawing, executed in brown ink and wash, reveals the artist’s masterful skill in conveying motion and light. The use of hatching and shading helps to create a sense of depth and volume, while the swirling lines of the sky emphasize the divine presence. This drawing, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a valuable testament to Mola’s talent and his mastery of the Baroque style.