This painting is one of the coolest pieces of art I have seen thus far. I didn’t take this one, because it was on a side wall of the church Santa Maria del Popolo. This is Caravaggio’s The Conversion of St. Paul (1600-01). It is about 5 or 6 feet wide and around 8 feet high.
I would like to approach this essay through the lenses of iconology and iconography. Firstly, the conversion of St. Paul on the road to Damascus is an interesting story from the Christian Bible, Acts 9. Paul was previously known as Saul, and he persecuted many Christians. Saul was traveling by horse when he saw a light flash from the sky and God’s voice asked why he was persecuting him. He fell off his horse and was blinded. He could not see for three days, until he was brought to Ananias, who healed him. Paul converted to Christianity, and many of his Epistles are in the Bible.
There are many other portrayals of the conversion of Paul, but Caravaggio’s is unique in its symbolism and iconography. The thing that most clearly jumps out to me is the play with light. The horse is bright white, which reflects the light that seems to come from the sky. The light represents God’s goodness and power. There is some light also on Paul himself as he lays face-up on the ground. The ambivalence of his body between light and dark indicates that this is a turning point. Darkness surrounds other areas of the painting, representing the evilness of Saul’s previous life of persecution. However, Paul is rejecting that darkness; though his eyes are closed to represent blindness, his arms are stretched towards the light. Another man is taking off what appears to be shackles from his wrists. Paul has clearly chosen to accept God’s new plan for his life.
This painting affects me because it is a powerful portrayal of a story that I had always loved. No matter how far you’ve strayed from God’s ways, there is always a chance for repentance and conversion of heart.
Picture citation: (richleonardi.blogspot.com/2010/03/caravaggios...)
Second Piece of Art:
I also want to write about the magnificent Spanish Steps, located in the Piazza di Spagna just east of the Piazza del Popolo. The Spanish Steps, by Francesco de Sanctis, provide a rest for aching feet, a meeting place for friends, and beautiful decoration of the city.
From a historical standpoint, the Spanish Steps give us a clue about the 18th century Roman sociological viewpoints. From the massive amounts of fountains, piazzes, and caffes, I have observed that Romans enjoy coming together. I believe that The Italians mentioned that even modern Italians do not worry much about decorating their houses, because they have their city to spend their time in. I believe that the city was as much of a meeting place then as it is now. It is a way to connect with other people. Just as the city is a way to connect with other people, the Spagna Scala were built 1723-1726 to connect the piazza with the church of the Trinity dei Monti and the Pincio. The Blue Guide calls them "a masterpiece of town planning."
The Spanish Steps can be viewed through this sociological lens to understand ways of life in 18th century Italy. Because the Italians enjoyed being out and socializing, the steps were a crucial gathering place. Today, you can see many people still using the steps for this reason, Italians and tourists alike, who want to honor this tradition and keep it alive. In my opinion, go for it. Get off technology, enjoy creation, and simply be with people.
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