VIGILANT CITIZEN Be Like This Painting

Terrific article from Vigilant Citizen....we are surrounded by demons

One of my favorite art subjects in history is assuredly The Temptation of Saint Anthony. For nearly a thousand years, this theme inspired countless works of art, each providing a unique interpretation of a story that is both timeless and universal. Although Saint Anthony is mostly known in Orthodox and Catholic churches, his story is relatable to every single human on earth. And it revolves around one theme: Resisting temptation.

Saint Anthony the Great (not to be confused with other Saint Anthonys such as Anthony of Padua) was born in the year 251. He lived most of his life in Egypt until the venerable age of 105 years.

Anthony is mostly known for enduring supernatural temptation during his sojourn in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. According to Athanasius, the devil fought Anthony by afflicting him with boredom, laziness, and the phantoms of women, which he overcame through the power of prayer. There are also tales of him being attacked by demons who appeared to him in the shape of wild beasts.

These accounts of beasts, dreams, visions, demons, and earthly temptations inspired some of the most bizarre, surreal, and imaginative paintings in art history. In every case, Saint Anthony resists temptation while remaining fateful and unphased. We need to be more like him.

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