Gospel in Art: Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

The Conversion of Saint Paul, Lucas van Leyden 1509 © Metropolitan Museum, New York

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 25 January 2025
Mark 16:15-18

At that time: Jesus appeared to the Eleven and he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.'

Reflection on the engraving

Today, we celebrate the Conversion of Saint Paul, a dramatic moment in which Saul of Tarsus, on his way to Damascus to arrest followers of Christ, is confronted by God and struck blind. Of all the artistic depictions of this event, the early (circa 1509) engraving we are examining today is one of my favourites. Lucas van Leyden captures with exquisite detail the aftermath of Saint Paul's blindness. While many artists focus on the climactic moment when Paul is struck by God-often depicting him falling from his horse-this engraving shows a more reflective scene. In the foreground, we see a visibly shaken Saint Paul, blind and humbled, with his head bowed. He clings to two men guiding him forward, a profoundly human portrayal of Paul's vulnerability in the hours following his dramatic conversion.

In the background, to the left, we glimpse the actual moment Saint Paul is struck down. However, it is the bustling procession in the foreground that truly captures our attention. Set against steep vertical rocks, the composition is filled with finely engraved details that draw us into the narrative. By focusing on the scene's broader context rather than solely the dramatic moment of conversion, Lucas van Leyden invites us to reflect on the humanity and fragility of Paul. The composition immerses us in the reality of what might have transpired, emphasising Paul's dependence on others in the immediate aftermath of his encounter with God.

The beauty of Saint Paul's conversion lies in the profound transformation it brought about in his life. After encountering God, he never returned to his former ways, becoming a completely new person. The engraving beautifully illustrates how, after being struck down, Paul continues on his way-blind, humbled, and pensive-preparing for the extraordinary mission that lay ahead. God gave a second chance to the very man who sought to destroy Christianity, turning him into one of its greatest apostles and advocates. This is a powerful testament to how God works, transforming even the most unlikely individuals for His purpose.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-16-15-18-2025/