Artwork
The Jailer about to Kill Himself, Converted by Saint Paul
The Jailer about to Kill Himself, Converted by Saint Paul is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Philip Galle. It dates from 1574 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Jailer about to Kill Himself, Converted by Saint Paul is a 1574 engraving by Philip Galle, a printmaker active in the Low Countries.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a dramatic biblical scene: a jailer on the verge of suicide is stayed by Saint Paul. The tense, crowded composition conveys a moment of intense emotional crisis, with multiple figures reacting to the jailer's despair.
Technique & Style
Galle's engraving showcases his skill with cross-hatching, using closely spaced parallel lines to create depth and texture in the clothing, stone walls, and other elements. The resulting image is characterized by sharp lines and deep shadows, lending drama to the scene.
History & Provenance
Philip Galle produced this print as both designer and engraver, drawing on his experience with reproductive engraving. The work is dated to 1574, situating it within the artist's late sixteenth-century practice in the Low Countries.
Artist & collection
Artist
Philip (or Philips) Galle (1537 – March 1612) was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.
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