01 Works, RELIGIOUS ART - Interpretation of the Bible! With Footnotes - # 43b

Domenico Morelli, (1823–1901)

The Temptation of Saint Anthony (1878)

Oil on canvas

137 × 225 cm, 

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna, Rome

The Temptation of Saint Anthony is an often-repeated subject in history of art and literature, concerning the supernatural temptation reportedly faced by Saint Anthony the Great during his sojourn in the Egyptian desert. Anthony's temptation is first discussed by Athanasius of Alexandria, Anthony's contemporary, and from then became a popular theme in Western culture. More Temptation of Saint Anthony

Domenico Morelli (7 July 1823 – 13 August 1901) was an Italian painter, who mainly produced historical and religious works. Morelli was immensely influential in the arts of the second half of the 19th century, both as director of the Accademia di Belle Arti in Naples, but also because of his rebelliousness against institutions.

He was born to a poor family in Naples. His precocious talent was noted, and he was enrolled at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Naples in 1836–1846. His early works contain imagery drawn from the Medieval stories and Romantic poets such as Byron. In 1845, he won a fellowship to study in Rome. 

Morelli had just returned to Naples, when the insurrections of 1848 erupted in Naples. He joined the protesters in the barricades on via Toledo, and was wounded, nearly killed, and briefly imprisoned. 

He was a member of an independent society to promote the liberal arts, called the Societa Promotrice. He was appointed consultant for new acquisitions of the Capodimonte art museum in Naples and, thus, had significant impact on the subsequent direction of the collections. In 1868, Morelli became a professor of painting at his old Academy in Naples. From that period onward, his interest turned to religious and mystical themes, drawn from mostly Christian, but also Jewish and Muslim traditions. From 1899 until his death, he was president of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Naples.

Morelli late in life won many awards and distinctions. he was named honorary professor of the principal academies of Italy and Europe, commendatore of the Order of SS. Maurizio e Lazzaro and of the Order of the Crown of Italy, and cavaliere dell' Ordine civile di Savoia. In June, 1886, he was knighted a senator by the King. He died on 13 August 1901 in Naples. More Domenico Morelli

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