
The Conversion of Saint Paul
1601 · Palazzo Odescalchi Balbi, Rome
Caravaggio's first attempt at the subject, turned down by the patron, before he threw out the angels and left one man, one horse and the light.
★ 8.4

Caravaggio's first attempt at the subject, turned down by the patron, before he threw out the angels and left one man, one horse and the light.

Saul sprawls on the ground with his arm up while the white horse rears above him with something close to ballet in it.

The horse and the groom take up most of the canvas and neither notices anything. The miracle happens entirely inside the man on the ground.