Christ Tempted by the Devil
Medium
Painting
Classification
Painting
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. George Viault
Accession Number
1970.184
Tags
Art Historical Context
In 1818, Ritto Penniman created this evocative painting of Christ Tempted by the Devil, drawing on a familiar biblical narrative. The composition centers on Christ confronting Satan amid a stark landscape of rocks, with a distant town suggesting earthly stakes involved. An angel’s presence adds a layer of divine watchfulness, emphasizing the moment spiritual testing and moral choice. Penniman’s work reflects the strong role of religious in early American art, where painters used scriptural stories to explore themes of faith and resilience for a growing nation. The painting’s straightforward d...