Temptation of St Anthony

Executed in oil on canvas, the work showcases Ricci’s characteristic luminosity and brisk brushwork. The palette glows with warm ochres and bright blues, while the handling of light creates a sense of depth and movement. The composition follows the grand‑manner approach typical of Cortonesque frescoes, employing a dynamic diagonal arrangement that guides the eye across the tumultuous space.

Created in Venice in the early 18th century, the painting entered the Russian imperial collection during the 19th‑century expansion of the State Hermitage Museum. Documentation traces its acquisition to a purchase from a private dealer, after which it has remained in the museum’s holdings, surviving several re‑curations and scholarly examinations.

Ricci belonged to a generation of Venetian artists who revitalized Baroque exuberance with a lighter, more decorative sensibility.

Ricci belonged to a generation of Venetian artists who revitalized Baroque exuberance with a lighter, more decorative sensibility. As the uncle of landscape pioneer Marco Ricci, he contributed to a family legacy of artistic innovation. This work reflects the broader High Baroque trend toward theatricality and emotional intensity, aligning with contemporary fresco programs that celebrated dramatic religious narratives.