Saint Paul Rending His Garments, 84.GG.919

A silverpoint study of a standing male figure clutching the neck of his heavy robes as if to tear them. The artist uses delicate cross-hatching and fine lines to define the sculptural folds of the classical drapery and the physical tension in the figure's pose. This work was created as a sketch for the apostle's reaction in the 'Sacrifice at Lystra,' where he rejects being worshipped as a pagan god.

This scene illustrates the confrontation between early Christianity and the classical tradition, specifically the moment Paul rejects being identified as the god Mercury (Hermes). It reflects the Renaissance intellectual effort to navigate the relationship between the 'prisca theologia' of the pagan world and Christian revelation.