The Temptation of St. Anthony n.d.

Jan Wellens de Cock made this engraving called “The Temptation of St Anthony” in Antwerp sometime in the early 16th century. It shows the trials of the Christian hermit, who is said to have withstood intense temptations by the Devil. The fantastical imagery gives us a glimpse into the artist's world. Antwerp in the 1500s was a thriving commercial center, a hub of global trade with a growing merchant class. Artists like de Cock weren't just making religious art; they were also creating works for a new art market. The detailed landscapes and bizarre monsters in this print appealed to collectors who wanted to display their knowledge and wealth. The theme of temptation also resonates with the anxieties of a society undergoing rapid change as new values and behaviours came in with increased trade. To truly understand this artwork, we can look into the social and economic history of Antwerp, the history of printmaking, and the iconography of St. Anthony. Understanding art means understanding its historical and institutional context.