The Conversion of Saint Paul; Adam and Eve 1590 - 1595

Palma il Giovane made this pen and brown ink drawing to explore how to represent the dramatic stories of religious conversion in paint. Produced in Venice, a major centre of artistic production in the 16th century, this sketch reflects the influence of both the Catholic Church and the Italian Renaissance on artistic themes. We see the biblical episode of Saint Paul's conversion, with the saint falling from his horse after encountering a divine vision, alongside Adam and Eve, representing the fall of man. The combination of these two scenes is no accident. The dramatic chiaroscuro and dynamic figures reflect the influence of contemporary art, particularly the Mannerist style. To truly understand this sketch, we delve into religious texts, historical records, and the biographies of artists who worked at the time. It encourages us to consider the social and institutional factors shaping artistic creation in 16th-century Venice.