Conversion Of St. Paul By Caravaggio

“Conversion of St. Paul”(or “The Road to Damascus”) is painting by Caravaggio that shows bibilical scene.. As meny artists in Baroque he painted for his church curators, this particular painting was ordred for the church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. It illustrates the story behind conversion of great siner and prosecutor of Christians Saul that later becomes St. Paul’s. His story is very uplifting, he finds God or rather God find him and makes him his great saint, scholar, and Apostle. His letters explain his conversion and show great love for God and people. Saul (St. Paul) conversion happened on his way to Damascouse where he was traveling to be a prosecutor of Christia people. On his way he was was cought of guard by strand voice and light that blided him. That was a spirit of God that asked him: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9: 1-6).
Paul ecstatic figure lying on the ground. All background of this painting is very dark brown gray, as if the event took place at dark night. This creats very mystique athmosphere. The only accent in this painting is in red coat underneath St Paul that is sugeesting his martidome and social standing. Carravagio did not paint God as a visible figure instead he painted the presence of God in divine light. We are guessing that St. Pauls raised hands are reaching to touch God. Light that represents God is very dramatic and supernatural and creats contrast between ordinary dark figure of horse and frightened servant hidden behind this horse. Artist used brown color palette, his darkest shadow is darkest brown/balck color that is transitioning into warmer lighter brown