Orsi Lello (Novellar 1511-1587) – The Temptation of St. Anthony (44x36 cm) 1570s J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition presents a central figure enveloped in a dramatic interplay of light and shadow. Here we observe an elderly man, clad in a voluminous white cowl, seated on what appears to be a stone ledge or block. He is deeply engrossed in reading from a book held open before him, his gaze fixed downwards with an expression suggesting intense concentration or perhaps quiet suffering. A long, flowing beard obscures much of his face, contributing to an overall impression of age and austerity.
Surrounding this central figure are several figures that seem to press in upon him, their presence both menacing and alluring. To the left, a grotesque assemblage of faces emerges from darkness; one appears to be leering directly at the reader, while another is partially obscured by what seems to be a wooden cross held aloft. A creature with an animalistic head – possibly a pig or boar – is tethered nearby, its presence adding to the unsettling atmosphere. To the right, a dark-skinned figure leans in close to the central man, his posture suggesting both intimacy and potential threat. The contrast between this figure’s skin tone and the white of the cowl is striking, creating a visual tension that could be interpreted as representing internal conflict or external pressures.
The artist employed a chiaroscuro technique, utilizing strong contrasts between light and dark to heighten the emotional impact of the scene. A bright, almost ethereal light illuminates the central figure and his book, drawing attention to his spiritual pursuit while simultaneously emphasizing the darkness that surrounds him. The limited palette – primarily whites, browns, and blacks – further contributes to the painting’s somber mood.
Subtleties within the imagery suggest a narrative of temptation and resistance. The open book likely represents knowledge or faith, which the central figure seeks to maintain despite the overwhelming presence of worldly desires embodied by the surrounding figures. The cross held aloft could symbolize divine protection, while the tethered animal might represent base instincts or earthly pleasures that threaten to derail his spiritual journey. The dark-skinned figure’s proximity suggests a complex relationship – perhaps representing both temptation and an underlying connection to something beyond the purely spiritual realm. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of internal struggle and the precariousness of faith in the face of powerful external forces.