Artwork
The Temptation of St. Anthony
The Temptation of St. Anthony is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Julien Léopold Boilly. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Temptation of St.
About this work
Overview
The Temptation of St. Anthony is a drawing by Boilly depicting a scene from the life of Saint Anthony, a desert pilgrim.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing illustrates one of Saint Anthony's supernatural trials, where he is tempted by a nude nymph. The saint's horrified reaction to her embrace is juxtaposed with a prominent crucifix, highlighting the conflict between piety and lust.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Boilly's skill in rendering the human form and his use of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates a sense of volume and depth.
Context
The drawing is based on the biblical account of Saint Anthony's experiences during his desert pilgrimage in Egypt, where he faced numerous supernatural trials.
Artist & collection
Artist
Julien-Léopold Boilly (French pronunciation: ; 30 August 1796 – 14 June 1874), also known as Jules Boilly, was a French artist noted for his album of lithographs Iconographie de l'Institut Royal de France (1820–1821)…
Bacchus and Ceres
Temptation of St. Anthony
Saint Jerome
Psyche Giving Her Coin to Charon
The Flight, Holy Family Walking with Angel
Creation of Eve
The Daughters of Pandareos
The Flight, Holy Family Walking with Angel
The Discovery of the Tomb of Punchinello
Venus Lamenting Adonis
Seated Figure
Temptation of Saint Anthony