Tile panel ‘The Conversion of Saul’

The tile panel ‘The Conversion of Saul’ is considered to be the most refined example of 16th-century Antwerp majolica. This masterpiece of decorative art was manufactured in 1547 in the renowned Antwerp workshop Den Salm.
The panel not only merges a strong Italian influence with native Antwerp characteristics, but the local painters also assimilated innovative decorative elements in the French Renaissance style of the School of Fontainebleau. Under the leadership of Franchois Frans, around 1545, the scale of the panel increased. ‘The Conversion’ is a very rare example of this trend, counting no less than 98 ceramic tiles. Due to the artistic quality of the painting and its identification and date, ‘The Conversion’ is considered an important standard in the research on Antwerp ceramics around 1550.

The central portrayal shows a crucial moment in the life of Paul the Apostle, who before his conversion to Christianity was named Saul of Tarsus and was a persecutor of the early Christians. Saul is depicted at the precise moment he falls from his horse, being blinded by a lightning bolt sent by God situated in the clouds above the scene. The soldiers accompanying Saul by foot or on horse are shocked by the incident and either try to protect themselves or seek cover.