The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 19, 2024

The Temptation of St. Anthony

The Temptation of St. Anthony

19th century
(French, 1796–1874)
France, 19th century
Black chalk with white, pink, orange, ochre, and brown chalks on blue paper
Sheet: 28.6 x 32.7 cm (11 1/4 x 12 7/8 in.)
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2018.42
Location: not on view

Description

Boilly’s scene represents the Temptations of Saint Anthony, a biblical subject. While embarking on his desert pilgrimage through Egypt, Anthony experienced a series of supernatural trials. Here, Boilly illustrated a nude nymph attempting to seduce him. Anthony’s horrified reaction to the woman’s embrace and the prominent crucifix on the right create a humorous juxtaposition between piety and lustful desire.
  • {{cite web|title=The Temptation of St. Anthony|url=false|author=Julien Léopold Boilly|year=19th century|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2018.42