Mrs. Keyfitz's Art Blog

Art Inspiration, Discussion & Appreciation




Conversion of Saul by Caravaggio (1601) What we learned- Caravaggio was the youngest of the three artists commissioned to do paintings for the Cerasi Chapel of the church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. He thoughtfully composed the painting to echo the shapes and movement of the paintings that would hang on either side of his in the chapel. The light illuminating the fallen Saul is the Heavenly light of God. Discussion Questions: Look at the face of the other man in the painting.  How do you think he felt in that moment? How do you think Saul felt?  Do you think Caravaggio portrayed his feelings accurately? Read about Saul’s conversion in Acts 9!

Conversion of Saul by Caravaggio (1601)

What we learned-

  • Caravaggio was the youngest of the three artists commissioned to do paintings for the Cerasi Chapel of the church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome.
  • He thoughtfully composed the painting to echo the shapes and movement of the paintings that would hang on either side of his in the chapel.
  • The light illuminating the fallen Saul is the Heavenly light of God.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Look at the face of the other man in the painting.  How do you think he felt in that moment?
  2. How do you think Saul felt?  Do you think Caravaggio portrayed his feelings accurately?
  3. Read about Saul’s conversion in Acts 9!

Notes