“Eroticism Turned to Horror”: The Temptation of St Anthony as a Theme in Modern Art

The story of the early Christian hermit Saint Anthony, who was persecuted in the desert by apparitions embodying earthly temptations, was a popular subject in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It can be found in the work of Lucas Cranach, Martin Schongauer, and Pieter Bruegel. In the nineteenth century, the theme was revived through the literary treatment of the legend by Gustave Flaubert and its subsequent illustrated editions. In the visual art of Symbolism, Decadence, and Expressionism, emphasis was placed on Anthony’s erotic visions, as demonstrated by works by Josef Váchal, František Kobliha, Jan Konůpek, Alfred Kubin, and Rudolf Jakubek. The Graphic Arts Cabinet presents these works in confrontation with prints by the old masters.

Venue: 4th floor of the Trade Fair Palace as a part of the exhibition 1796–1918: Art of the Long Century

Curated by Petra Kolářová