A(n Art History) Lesson in Vulnerability

AM Psalm 19 • Isaiah 45:18-25 • Philippians 3:4b-11
PM Psalm 119:89-112 • Ecclesiasticus 39:1-10 • Acts 9:1-22

Whenever I reflect on this account of the Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-22) I immediately visualize the painting, “Conversion on the Road to Damascus” (c. 1601) by Caravaggio, created for a chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome.

For centuries art was used to teach the Bible to a mostly illiterate populace. In this painting, Caravaggio dramatically interprets today’s passage from Acts, yet pares it down to its essence so that the viewer will “get it.” Although Saul is depicted with the attributes of a soldier - a sword and helmet by his side – in this scene he is depicted as powerless. A horse standing in the shadows takes up most of the painting, with the precarious placement of the horse’s hoof hovering over Saul further emphasizing his vulnerability in this moment.

In the study of art history, much is made of Caravaggio’s skill at “foreshortening” his figures and his use of chiaroscuro (dramatic light in contrast to dark shadows). In this painting, the artist depicts Saul lying on his back, bathed in bright light, with his head in the foreground. This placement of the figure brings us into the scene, as if we too were standing on the road to Damascus and have just witnessed Saul falling to the ground. An unseen light source illuminates Saul’s face and torso and serves to focus our attention. It is here, in Saul’s mind and heart, that the true conversion takes place. Once a persecutor, he now becomes a believer.

Just as Saul was transformed into St. Paul on the road to Damascus, may we be vulnerable like Saul – open to hearing our Lord’s voice, to being filled with the Holy Spirit, and to seeing the world in a new light.

Written by Shannon Dillard Mitchell

...who often visualizes art masterworks when she hears or reads the narratives of the Bible.