The Temptation of Saint Anthony (second version)

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The Temptation of Saint Anthony (second version)

Artist Jacques Callot French, 1592-1635

Publisher Israël Henriet French, ca. 1590-1661

Printer Jacques Callot French, 1592-1635

DatePrinted 1634, published 1635

DimensionsOverall ((varies slightly)): 13 15/16 x 18 1/16 in. (354 x 458mm)

MediumEtching on laid paper with an indeterminate watermark

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineWilliam J. Hitchcock Fund in Memory of Grace J. Hitchcock

Object number

2000.61

Not on View

Collections

Works on Paper

Published ReferencesJules Lieure, Jacques Callot: Catalog of the Graphic Works (New York, Collectors Editions, 1969), v.7, p. 93-95, 1416. H. Diane Russell, Jacques Callot: Prints & Related Drawings (Washington, DC, National Gallery of Art, 1975), p. 139+ Edwin de T. BechExhibition HistoryTMA: Disasters of War, July 13 - October 21, 2001 TMA New Acquisitions in Graphic Arts, Dec. 21, 2001-March 30, 2002. TMA, The Dramatic Image: Baroque Prints of the 17th Century, February 25 - July 31, 2011. Toledo Museum of Art, Looks Good on Paper: Masterworks and Favorites, Oct. 10, 2014-Jan. 11, 2015.Label TextCallot entertains us with hundreds of tiny, spirited devils sent to temp and torment Saint Anthony. Many are seen cavorting with musical instruments humorously adapted from weapons of war. Saint Anthony is hard to find, cowering in his cave at the lower right. A winged monster—Lucifer himself?—dominates the proscenium arch framing the print, both a threatening and a compelling presence. The translated inscription: To the most illustrious man, Lord and Master Louis Phélypeaux, Seignior of Lavrilière, Count of the Consistory, man of the sacred commands, Jacques Callot vows, dedicates and consecrates. Shapeless specters, monsters stabled in obscure hiding places, broke out of their lower world and in close marching order profane the world and light with deadly poisons. The shapes of so many crimes transformed the hermitage into Erebus. In the meantime what are you doing under the vault of the huge rock, holy old man: you feel the force of so great enemies and despise them? Nothing mortal inspires you, nor do alluring Joys move your heart; neither Love breaks it nor death frightens. The mind fixed on heaven and restoring its strength from the Source, endures on earth the battles, which he derides, in the upper air.