I love #2 by Caravaggio. It illustrates the moment of Saul’ spiritual rebirth, on the ground, arms outstretched, blinded by celestial light but in full ecstasy of his vision. The sword and mantle are reminders of his previous identity as the persecutor of Christians. The lifted leg of the horse, seemingly to strike on Saul, while the groom tries to restrain the horse, adds tension to the scene. The dramatic use of light and shadows keeps out attention on the key figures. Caravaggio always makes one’s heart skip a beat!
Thanks, Alba, for that vividly eloquent analytical description.