Peter Paul Rubens
Around 1608
Oil paint on wood
80.5 x 102 cm
Peter Paul Rubens made this large sketch in preparation for the painting on the left. Although the final composition changed significantly, certain key elements are already present here: the men helping the stricken Paul in the foreground; the figure restraining his horse; and the startled dog beside them. Painted quickly, the sketch allowed Rubens to jot down initial ideas. These were later developed in a large drawing, also in The Courtauld. After completing The Conversion of Saint Paul, Rubens kept both sketch and drawing in his studio as possible models for future works.