The Conversion of Saint Paul

The Conversion of Saint Paul

Laurent de La Hyre

1637

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows a chaotic scene with a man on the ground, arms spread wide, as if struck by a bright light. Around him, other figures—some on horses, others crawling—look shocked or in pain. The sky is dark and stormy, with swirling clouds and jagged lines that make the scene feel dramatic and intense. Notice how the artist used sharp, scratchy lines to create texture, especially in the horses’ muscles and the rocky ground. The light seems to come from above, making the central figure stand out against the chaos. Look up etching to see how artists like this one made prints using acid and metal plates.

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