Paul Before Felix 1795 - 1805

This print, "Paul Before Felix," was made by Dent in the 18th century. This piece portrays a scene deeply rooted in religious and political tensions. Paul, a figure of emerging Christian identity, stands before Felix, a representative of Roman authority. The image encapsulates the friction between the marginalized and the powerful. Paul, a Jew who converted to Christianity, faced persecution for his beliefs, and the Roman Empire, known for its religious tolerance, felt threatened by this new doctrine. Dent's print captures the power dynamics and the personal convictions clashing on a stage set by the Roman Empire. The emotional charge in Paul's stance, his hand raised in defense or defiance, echoes through the centuries. It challenges us to consider how we negotiate faith, power, and identity in our own lives.