2-743-701 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Conversion of Saul with Horseman and Banner, c. 1645-1647. According to the Bible, in the year following the death of Jesus Christ, Saul of Tarsus (who became Saint Paul) was on the road to Damascus. He was suddenly surrounded by a brilliant light from above, heard the voice of Christ, and became a believer. In this work and in The Conversion of Saul with Christ and the Cross, shown nearby, Jordaens illustrated the climactic moment as Jesus speaks and Saul lies on the ground. The works are studies for a painting of the same subject, an altarpiece dedicated to Saint Paul in the abbey church at Tongerlo, near Antwerp.