Artwork

Die Versuchung des heiligen Antonius (The Temptation of Saint Anthony)

Lovis Corinth , 1919

Die Versuchung des heiligen Antonius (The Temptation of Saint Anthony) is an ink print by Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Lovis Corinth's 1919 drypoint print, Die Versuchung des heiligen Antonius, depicts a chaotic scene in black. The work showcases Corinth's later style, characterized by loose and vibrant lines.

Subject & Meaning

The print represents the Temptation of Saint Anthony, a religious theme. A robed figure, likely Saint Anthony, is surrounded by a shirtless man and a twisted creature amidst swirling trees and branches, suggesting a moment of turmoil or spiritual struggle.

Technique & Style

Corinth employed drypoint to create the print, resulting in rough, scratchy lines that convey a sense of urgency. The technique allowed for intense, expressive marks that capture the dynamic movement of the figures and the surrounding environment.

History & Provenance

Created in 1919, the print reflects Corinth's stylistic evolution, influenced by his studies and association with the Berlin Secession. A stroke in 1911 marked a turning point in his work, leading to a looser, more expressionistic style.