Demons Tormenting Saint Anthony c. 1480-90
The image that stood out the most was the engravement done by Martin Schonogauer. The image relays a didactic message. It shows Saint Anthony being beaten, tugged and scratched by several demons, however his faith is what permits him to be impervious to all evil that surrounds him. While the image of Saint Anthony shows relentless devils tugging away at his body, and his face doesn’t appear to show agony, it does reveal a tear running down his cheek, showing the frailty of human nature.
I believe this painting correlates to my life when I allow stress or misfortunate affect my spirit. The symbolism behind this content illustrates was appears in be going on in my life when I am either stressed, or suffering from something. When I look at the image, every devil represents one issue of my life I would like to conquer. I believe that stress, sorrows, or what curve ball “life” is throwing at us, can have an unfavorable affects on our psyche, but if one decide's to be committed, optimistic, hopeful, and trust in God, things can turn for the better. I also like the message that even Saint Anthony can endure moments of chaos and tribulations. I believe we are all tested to show our resilience, because I believe it makes us better human beings.
Hello Claudette,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to look at that block print! You are right to observe that St Anthony does not look stressed by his "demons" and that actually is a very powerful message of hope that we can take comfort in even today! What a reversal from the first take I and Im sure many others saw when viewing that print!
Kimberlie
Wooow that was really great to read. I completely agree with you even though I initially hadn't seen the picture that way. However, you made an excellent point in relating it you, your stress, and your personal demons.
ReplyDeleteI am one of those people who stresses out fairly easy and I let the little things get to me as well as the big. I try to be more relaxed and for some reason your analysis of this picture really hit home. It makes perfect sense and allows a visual for perhaps even my internal struggles. I don't know what Saint Anthony did and I am really tempted on going to look that up right now! :)
I don't know if you've ever read it, but this picture also reminds of me Dante's Inferno. It's a good book, a little hard to read but really interesting!
-Kaitlin
I like how you interepete this picture it makes sense on how you related to everyday live. And it amazing how with the picture being so busy St. Anthony doesn't seem to have any worries. It just goes to show how much we can learn from painting and how other interepete them.
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