The Temptation of St. Anthony
19th century
Black chalk with white, pink, orange, ochre, and brown chalks on blue paper
SEE IT IN PERSON
Not currently on view
In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG
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.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
More by Julien Léopold Boilly
More like this
Rembrandt van Rijn — Jupiter and Antiope: The Larger Plate
Jean-Honoré Fragonard (French, 1732–1806) — Saint Jerome
Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo — Satyr Surprising a Satyress
Anonymous, French, 18th century — Venus, Mars, and Cupid
Jean Jacques Lagrenée — La charité romain (Roman Charity), i
Leonardo Alenza y Nieto — Flying and Other Excesses ("Voland
Elizabeth Jackson|James Jefferys|Thomas Rowlandson — Bacchan
Jean Baptiste Carpeaux — Seated Couple Embracing
Thomas Rowlandson — Venus, Anchises and Cupid
Maria Catharina Prestel (German, 1747–1794) — The Triumph of
Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669) — Adam and Eve
Govaert Flinck — Cimon and Pero