The Temptation of St Anthony, c.1640-1660

Oil on panel

Bequeathed by Mr. George Watson through the Art Fund, 2015

This painting was bequeathed, along with other Dutch Golden Age works, by George Watson (1927-2013) who was a Professor of English at Cambridge University.

The story of the temptation of St Anthony has its roots in the medieval period. It tells of how the hermit St Anthony withstood demonic apparitions and temptations during his period of religious contemplation in the Egyptian desert. 

Whilst the primary purpose of the painting was to offer religious inspiration, the grotesque demons and unusual imagery also allowed viewers to contemplate these sins from a safe distance. The Temptation of St Anthony was an incredibly popular subject and one which the artist repeated many times.