A satirical etching by Paul Sandby, depicting a magic lantern projection of the biblical scene of Saint Paul before Felix.

Paul Sandby, a figure of significance in the development of British printmaking and watercolour, produced this etching during his early career. The work functions as a visual satire, employing the conceit of a magic lantern show to comment on contemporary social or political figures. The scene depicts a seated man observing a projected image, which portrays the biblical narrative of Saint Paul before Felix. Sandby utilises the etching medium to create a stark contrast between the darkened room and the illuminated projection. The light emanating from the lantern creates a circular frame, drawing the eye toward the figures within the projected scene. The artist demonstrates a command of line and shadow, using cross-hatching to define the depth of the interior space and the texture of the clothing. This print reflects the eighteenth-century fascination with optical devices and the popularisation of scientific or pseudo-scientific displays. By juxtaposing a religious subject with the mechanical artifice of the magic lantern, Sandby invites the viewer to consider the nature of perception and the theatricality of public life. The composition is structured to emphasise the act of looking, with the primary observer positioned in the foreground, effectively bridging the gap between the viewer and the projected narrative. The work remains a curious example of how printmakers of the period engaged with both classical themes and the technological novelties of their day.