Saint Anthony Abbot Shunning the Mass of Gold
circa 1435-1440
Fra Angelico, a Dominican friar who painted with the devotion of a prayer, captures Saint Anthony Abbot wandering through a stylized, almost dreamlike landscape. Dressed in heavy black robes and clutching a staff, the saint raises his hand in a firm gesture of rejection, turning away from the devil's temptation of worldly wealth. The background features those charmingly geometric hills and perfectly round trees typical of early 15th-century Florentine art, creating a serene stage for a spiritual battle. This panel is part of a larger series depicting the temptations of the saint, showcasing Fra Angelico's signature blend of gentle beauty and moral instruction.
- Technique
- Tempera on panel
- Material
- Wood panel
Location: Pinacoteca Vaticana