Paul's Shipwreck

In AD 60 Paul is on his way to Rome when his ship perishes before Malta. The apostle is forced to stay on the island for three months. Tradition has it that he performs several miracles there and founds a Christian community. There is no proof for any of this, however.

Ludolf Backhuysen is known for his seascapes, specializing in sea battles and harbor views. We know of only four religious works by him – this being one of them. It is in the collection of a museum in the city of Emden, where he was born.