Saint Paul of Thebes tempted by a demon, after Magnasco

Bartolommeo Gazalis|Alessandro Magnasco

ca. 1720–30 · Etching · Drawings and Prints

Born around 227 in the Thebaid region of Egypt, Paul of Thebes is regarded as the first Christian hermit. Here he is shown partly naked, meditating on a cross, and seated outdoors, emphasizing his poverty and commitment to spiritual life. The skull in the lower left corner is a reminder of the transience of earthly existence. In the upper section, a demon in the guise of a sensuous woman attempts to distract him from his devotion. The saint’s elon-gated figure and the loose and dense style of etching reflect his familiarity with the prints of Giovanni Bene-detto Castiglione Gazalis made only two etchings, both based on designs by Magnasco. The only other known impression of this print is the Civica Raccolta Bertarelli in Milan.

Artist

Bartolommeo Gazalis|Alessandro Magnasco

Date

ca. 1720–30

Medium

Etching

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

A. Hyatt Mayor Purchase Fund, Marjorie Phelps Starr Bequest, 2015