Saint Paul Baptizing Dionysus the Areopagite (recto); Sketches of Baby, Hands (verso) n.d.

This is Antonio Carracci's pen and brown ink drawing, "Saint Paul Baptizing Dionysus the Areopagite," made in the early 17th century. Carracci lived during the Counter-Reformation, a period of renewed Catholic fervor. Here, we witness a key moment of conversion, brimming with the emotional intensity valued in that era. The figures, draped in classical robes, evoke a sense of timelessness, yet their humanity is palpable. Saint Paul, with a commanding gesture, baptizes Dionysus, amidst onlookers, their faces etched with curiosity and awe. Carracci skillfully captures the psychological drama of conversion—the relinquishing of old beliefs and the embrace of a new identity. The use of light and shadow heightens the drama. This drawing provides a glimpse into the religious and cultural landscape of the time, where faith was not merely a set of doctrines, but a transformative, deeply personal experience.