The Temptation of Saint Anthony (second version)

1635

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

The Temptation of Saint Anthony (second version) is a 1635 by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1635 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

The painting shows Saint Anthony surrounded by monsters and creatures. He's being tempted, but he's staying strong. The scene is crowded with strange beings, which was a common way to depict hell in art back then. The artist drew inspiration from other Renaissance images, borrowing creatures to add to the chaos. This helped create a sense of turmoil and tension in the scene. You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique of chiaroscuro.

The story of this work

Overview

The Witches' Sabbath was said to be the meeting of sinister forces for devil worship through dancing, feasting, or sacrifices. In depicting this orgy of bodies and monsters, artists often borrowed from religious imagery. Numerous Renaissance images provided Jacques Callot with a litany of fantastic creatures for his widely influential Temptation of Saint Anthony , depicting the steadfast saint as he endures the mental and spiritual tortures of hell.

Read the full account in the museum source.