In the Scriptures, this scene is set in somewhere near Damascus, where one from Jerusalem needs to pass through. It is not stated clearly whether Saul is on a horse or just on foot when he falls. There are, nonetheless, three key elements in this scene.
First, there is light from the sky. Second, there is a conversation between God and Saul. Mostly importantly, the voice identifies himself as Jesus. Third, Saul becomes blind afterwards and has to be taken to Damascus by his companions.
The Italian artist Caravaggio (1517 - 1610) produced two paintings on the conversion of St Paul.
This painting, produced in 1601, depicts the light from above going straight into Saul's eyes. Saul is immediately beneath his horse suggesting it a horrendous fall. Another person standing beside the horse looks at Saul's terrified face seemingly no aware of any voice. The light takes the middle seat in this painting.
Another painting by Caravaggio again highlighted the light shining upon Saul and his becoming blind afterwards. This time, Saul is naked and in contrast to his three fellow men who are properly dressed and not able to be aware of what is causing the fall. Saul holds his head covering his face with hands and his facial expression is not seen - is he confused, frustrated, feeling ashamed, or in pain?
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Michelangelo (1475-1564) painted Saul as an old man with white beard when he converts. There is less emphasis on the light but only reflects on the closed eyes of Saul - apparently closed because the light that shines on him is very strong.
According to google map, the distance between Jerusalem in Israel and Damascus in Syria is about 300km. It is estimated requiring about 5 hours of drive or 60 hours of walk - assuming the contemporary traffic and current road conditions.
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In the Acts of the Apostles: "On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing;* so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus." Acts 9: 3-8. (http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/9)
The Chinese version: 宗徒大事錄第九章第三至八節：『當他前行，快要臨近大馬士革的時候，忽然從天上有一道光，環射到他身上。他便跌倒在地，聽見有聲音向他說：「掃祿，掃祿，你為什麼迫害我？」他答說：「主，你是誰？」主說：「我就是你所迫害的耶穌。但是，你起來進城去，必有人告訴你當作什麼。」陪他同行的人站在那裏，說不出話來，只聽見聲音，卻看不見什麼人。掃祿從地上起來，睜開他的眼，什麼也看不見了。人們牽著他的手，領他進了大馬士革。』(思高聖經學會）
Picture credit:
The pictures are pasted for illustration purpose and are from the "Third Millenium Ministries" at the website: http://thirdmill.org/paul/art/image0.htm
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