Focus on Conversion of Paul (Bruegel) and discuss the Description.
Bruegel shows Paul's army on its way to Damascus in contemporary dress and with 16th century armour and weapons. The saint himself is in a blue doublet and hose of the painter's day. Bruegel, having lived in Italy, was not unfamiliar with classical dress: his intention in representing biblical scenes in contemporary dress was to stress their relevance to his own time. In view of the persecution and counter-persecution of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, the story of Paul's conversion had special significance.  The events are described in The Acts of the Apostles 9, 3-7:As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"And he said, "Who are You, Lord?"Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?"Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
Bruegel is not only illustrating the biblical text; he is also stressing the need for faith and condemning the sin of pride.
The Acts of the Apostles Damascus Acts of the Apostles Reformation doublet Bruegel Italy Paul's conversion Counter-Reformation