Temptation of Two Hermits 1506

Albrecht Altdorfer's "Temptation of Two Hermits" (1506) is a detailed and captivating engraving that showcases the artist's signature meticulous style. The artwork depicts two hermits, likely Saints Anthony and Paul, being tempted by a nude female figure offering a plate of food. The scene is set in a dense woodland with a fire burning in the background, creating an atmosphere of both alluring temptation and stark solitude. Altdorfer's masterful use of line and shading creates a striking contrast between the figures' bodies and the surrounding landscape. This small-scale print exemplifies the artist's fascination with the natural world and his ability to convey psychological drama within a confined space.