1644
chalk
canvas
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Conversion of Saint Paul is a 1644 chalk by Abraham van Diepenbeeck, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows a chaotic scene with lots of people tangled together. Some are on the ground, others are reaching up or falling. The colors are mostly dark browns and earthy tones, with a few bright spots where light breaks through. Horses and people are mixed in the action, and the sky above looks stormy with flashes of light. The artist used a mix of ink, paint, and chalk on paper, which gives it a rough, sketchy feel. The swirling figures and dramatic lighting make the scene feel intense and full of movement. Look up chiaroscuro to see how this strong contrast of light and dark works.
Abraham van Diepenbeeck (9 May 1596 (baptised) – between May and September 1675) was a Dutch painter, draftsman, glass painter, print maker and tapestry designer who worked most of his active career in Antwerp.
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