Saint Paul at Lystra
17th century
In this bustling Baroque scene, the locals of Lystra are so impressed by Saint Paul healing a lame man that they mistake him for a god and try to sacrifice bulls in his honor. Paul, standing on the right, is frantically gesturing to stop the priest in red robes from going through with the ritual, looking more annoyed than divine. Jacob Jordaens fills the frame with sweaty, muscular figures, crying babies, and confused onlookers, turning a serious biblical moment into a chaotic, almost comedic crowd where everyone is talking over each other. It perfectly captures the Baroque love for high drama and overflowing energy.
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