The episode of the raven feeding St Paul is a Biblical story derived from St Jerome’s Life of Paul.

Ravens are frequently referred to in the Bible. They are often described as messengers from God. St Paul, shown here, was an early Christian, born in Egypt.

He was devoted to God and spent much of his time in prayer and meditation. St Paul lived in a cave and survived on bare necessities. This print illustrates his daily visits from a raven that miraculously fed the Saint in the wilderness. His only food, he acknowledged this as a gift from God. Given its importance, it is a mystery as to why the raven wasn’t depicted in this painting.

What might this omission tell us about the values placed on animals in the seventeenth century? In what ways is this similar or different today?

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: unknown
Date: 17th century

Image Details
Date: 12 May 2024
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/25s
ISO: 640
Licensing: Image of a Bowes Museum asset. This image cannot be licensed.