Artwork
The Conversion of Saint Paul
The Conversion of Saint Paul is an ink print by the Baroque artist Laurent de La Hyre. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Around 1637 Laurent de La Hyre, a Paris‑born artist associated with the French Baroque, produced an etching on laid paper titled *The Conversion of Saint Paul*. The print illustrates the biblical moment when Saul, traveling to Damascus, is struck by a divine light and transforms into the apostle Paul. It exemplifies the artist’s restrained, classical approach to religious subject matter.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a fallen figure with outstretched arms, representing Saul at the instant of his spiritual awakening. Surrounding him are startled companions—some mounted on horses, others on the ground—who react to the sudden illumination. The chaotic arrangement underscores the dramatic rupture between earthly turmoil and divine revelation.
Technique & Style
Executed with fine etched lines on laid paper, the work relies on sharp, scratchy strokes to model muscular tension in the horses and the rugged terrain. Contrasting dark, storm‑filled skies with a luminous source from above creates a strong chiaroscuro effect, highlighting the central figure amid the surrounding disorder.
History & Provenance
Laurent de La Hyre (1606–1675) was a leading figure of the Parisian Attic style, a neoclassical current that favored clarity and restraint within Baroque sensibilities. This print is among his religious productions, reflecting his commitment to classical composition while engaging the emotive potential of printmaking.
Context
In 17th‑century France, etching offered artists a means to disseminate biblical narratives beyond the confines of altar paintings. De La Hyre’s choice of the conversion episode aligns with Counter‑Reformation interests in personal transformation and the power of divine intervention, themes commonly explored in contemporary devotional art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Laurent de La Hyre (French pronunciation: ; 27 February 1606 – 28 December 1656) was a French Baroque painter, born in Paris. He was a leading exponent of the neoclassical style of Parisian Atticism.
