1574
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Jailer about to Kill Himself, Converted by Saint Paul is a 1574 ink by Philip Galle, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a dramatic moment in a dim, stone-walled room. A shirtless man kneels on a low platform, gripping his head as if in despair. Behind him, two robed figures watch closely—one pointing urgently at him. To the right, another man stands with a torch, while a half-naked figure hammers at an anvil in the background. The scene feels tense and crowded, with sharp lines and deep shadows. Notice how the artist uses tiny parallel lines (cross-hatching) to create depth and texture, especially in the clothing and stone walls. The Latin text at the bottom hints at a story of sudden change—likely tied to the title. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this one built entire scenes with just ink and lines.
Philip (or Philips) Galle (1537 – March 1612) was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.
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