Frans Franken, the Younger
1581 – 1642

The Conversion of Saul (Acts. 9)

oil on copper

14"×17" (35.5 cm×43.2 cm)

PROVENANCE:
Eugene Bernald, Ossining, New York

NOTE: Although he belonged to a vast and long-standing dynasty of painters, Frans Francken the Younger was far and away the most celebrated of his relatives who were involved in the art of painting. He was also one of the most prolific painters in his day. His fame, however, is not due to his high output. It is instead the product of his inventiveness and refined manner of execution.

Francken undoubtedly learned the art of painting in the studio of his father, although he was soon to supercede his father in importance. In his early career, Francken the Younger worked for the art dealer Christian van Immerzeel, who sold much of his stock in pictures to Spain. The dealer’s list of paintings for sale includes copies, replicas as well as originals of the works of Frans the Younger. However, one can always distinguish the originals from copies to this day, for the former are high in quality while the later distinctly lack the artist’s delicate touch.

Our Conversation of Saul is a case in point. There exists another version of this composition, on copper and almost the same size, and judging from reproductions, it also seems to be the work of Frans Francken himself. The other version of the subject seems to be earlier, before circa 1620, when the artist introduced the characteristically bright and liquid glazes that were to become the hallmark of his technique. Also, some of the principal figures in the scene have been improved in our picture; the soldier on the left, steadying Saul’s rearing horse, has been made larger and more capable of restraining the frightened animal. Saul himself, instead of looking up at God, here casts his head downward and closes his eyes, apparently in reference to the temporary blindness that would ensue from his heavenly vision.

The New Testament tells us that Saul, an orthodox Jew who was present at the stoning of St. Stephen, traveled to Damascus to collect as many Christian prisoners that he could find. On his way to this city, Saul was startled and knocked off of his horse by a bright light that shone from heaven. The Voice of the Lord then proclaimed the famous query: "Saul, Saul, why has thou persecuted me?" After his conversion, Saul changed his name to Paul and became a loyal follower of Christ. Although the biblical narrative makes it clear that Saul’s accompanying troops see no vision but merely heard the resounding voice of The Lord, Francken could not resist depicting the soldiers and their steeds recoiling in shock and amazement from the brilliant ray of light and the symbolic figure of God.

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