The Conversion is an excellent example of the work of Gabriel Max, one of
the well-known painters of Germany in the XIX century. It represents a
scene apparently laid in the catacombs of Rome early in the Christian era.
A woman seated on some stone steps is trying to persuade three men
standing opposite her to embrace the new religion to which she has already
become a convert. It is a good piece of psychological illustration. The
woman’s figure is painted much in the style of Bouguereau, but there is a
deeper sincerity in her face, her mouth betraying the neurotic
sensitiveness not uncommon among religious mystics. The group of three
men is well painted and fine in color. The two nearer men seem to have
been completely won over by the gentle teachings, while the young man at
the right, though much moved, still resists conversion. The strong
interest in the literary or illustrative aspect of the subject is
characteristic of this period of painting in Germany.—Given in memory of
Mrs. Thomas Lowry by Mrs. Gustav Schwyzer, Mrs. Percy Hagerman and Horace
Lowry.
[The Scouts. Adolph Schreyer, 1828-1899]