Saint Paul of Tarsus, circle of Jan Massys (1510-1575)

The work is similar to a painting listed in the catalogue raisonné.
 From "Jan Massys, Renaissance painter of Flemish female beauty" by Maria Clelia Galassi, published by Brepols
 Painting on page 207, reference no. 7-15: oil on panel by Jan Massys and workshop, very similar to our painting, only the landscape is replaced by a sculpted marble column of similar dimensions. Our painting was certainly the work of a close collaborator of Jan Massys. It is also listed on the website of the Netherlands Institute for Art History (RKD).
 The panel is made up of 3 wooden planks.
 Saint Paul, of Jewish origin, was born in Tarsus in Turkey in the year 9. He was one of the great specialists of Judaism in his time, he became one of the advisors of the Sanhedrin (Jewish religious assembly).
 His life was marked by contradictions. Initially, he led the persecution of Christians, but in 42 AD, he was overcome by a supernatural force that asked him, "Saul, why are you persecuting me?" He converted and took the name Paul. He was the instigator of the separation of Judaism and Christianity. His 14 letters are an important element of the New Testament. He is depicted surrounded by his books and also by a sword, a reminder of his past as a warrior.
 Dimensions with frame: 117 cm x 98 cm
 Dimensions without frame: 93.2 cm x 73.8 cm