Study for ‘The Temptation of St Anthony’ c. 1950 - 1951

Editor: This is William Roberts' pencil study for ‘The Temptation of St Anthony’, housed at the Tate. The figures seem both classical and modern. What can you tell me about the historical context of this work? Curator: Roberts, shaped by his WWI experience, often used fragmented figures to reflect social anxieties and the impact of industrialization. This drawing, with its distorted forms, can be seen as a critique of societal temptations. Editor: So, the figures aren't just religious symbols but also representative of cultural anxieties? Curator: Precisely. The grid also suggests a world being mapped and controlled, a common theme in early 20th century art reflecting power structures. Editor: That's a powerful interpretation. I see the piece in a completely different light now. Curator: Art reveals its secrets when we examine its role in shaping, and being shaped by, society.