The Conversion of St. Paul

As the Gospels report, Saul, on the road to Damascus where he was meant to persecute Christians, was suddenly bathed in heavenly light. Dazzled, he fell to the ground. Saul turned back, was baptised and as Paul became a passionate advocate of the new faith. Parmigianino interprets the miracle of divine inspiration as a highly dramatic event which in its ecstasy equally affects both man and animal.