Paulus en Barnabas te Lystra 1645

This engraving, Paulus en Barnabas te Lystra, was created by François de Poilly in the late 17th century. The image depicts a scene from the Acts of the Apostles, where Paul and Barnabas are mistaken for gods by the people of Lystra. De Poilly was working in France, and he was part of a system of art production that was tightly controlled by the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. In this period, religious imagery was used to reinforce the power of the Catholic Church in France. The classical architecture and idealized figures reflect the Academy's emphasis on order and reason. It also suggests the enduring influence of classical antiquity within French culture. This print can tell us a lot about the role of art in shaping religious and political beliefs in early modern Europe. To fully understand the historical context, it is crucial to look at the archives of the French Royal Academy. Considering theological texts and popular religious imagery of the time would also shed light on how this print was received by its intended audience.