Anchorites Tempted by Demons 1665

Salvator Rosa's 1665 painting, "Anchorites Tempted by Demons", depicts a dramatic scene within a crumbling Roman archway. The anchorites are shown being tormented by a trio of grotesque demons, highlighting the dangers of temptation and the fragility of faith. Rosa's style, characterized by its theatrical use of light and shadow, heightens the sense of drama and suspense, drawing the viewer into the scene and leaving them pondering the power of temptation. This painting, painted toward the end of the Baroque period, represents the dark and violent side of this style.