Temptation of Saint Anthony of Egypt
Unknown Artist
c. 1400s
Medium
stone
Dimensions
46.4 × 38.6 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Accession Number
1938.168
About this artwork
Saint Anthony (AD 251–356) was a Christian monk from Egypt, revered since his death as a saint. Many of his tales are conveyed in the Golden Legend, a classic work of the Middle Ages containing lively tales of saints’ miracles written in a simple style for a wide audience. This scene illustrates the supernatural temptation faced by Saint Anthony during his retreat to the Egyptian desert. The saint is being tempted by hideous demons, which he resisted.