The Conversion of Saint Paul

About this artwork

**The Conversion of Saint Paul (c. 1544) by Jacopo Tintoret marks an early triumph for the Venetian master, painted when he was just in his mid-twenties. This large-scale oil on canvas (1527 × 236.3 cm) captures the dramatic biblical moment when Saul, en route to Damascus to persecute Christians, is blind by a divine light and transformed into the apostle Paul. Acquired through the Samuel H. Kress Collection and now housed in the National of Art's CIS-R department, it exemplifies Tintoretto's bold entry into Venice's competitive art scene. Tintoretto, nicknamed "Il Furioso" for his energetic style, bridges Renaissance harmony with emerging Mannerism through dynamic compositions and intense lighting. Oil on canvas allowed him the flexibility to achieve vivid colors and textures, ideal for grand religious narratives demanded by Counter-Reformation patrons. This work's monumental size suited church altarpieces, immersing viewers in the miracle's spiritual intensity. A fascinating fact: at over 106 kg framed, its sheer physical presence underscores Tintoretto's ambition to rival titans like Titian. For visitors, it offers a window into 16th-century Venice's fervent faith and artistic innovation, inviting reflection on transformation and divine intervention.