The Torment of Saint Anthony

Summary

Here Michelangelo replicates Schongauer’s composition in which demons swarm Saint Anthony, bringing Athanasius’s original description to life. In the Life of Saint Anthony, Athanasius of Alexandria describes how “the demons came at him in a great throng, each one taking a different shape, attacking him with terrible strength and tenacity.” Michelangelo stays true to the source text by arranging the demons to surround Anthony from all sides. Some demons grab his robes while others pull at his limbs, creating the impression that Anthony is suspended among them. This elevates the dramatic and chaotic nature of the assault. Additionally, the variety of demons symbolize the persistent and multifaceted nature of temptation as described by Athanasius.

Demons Attacking St. Anthony

Michelangelo adds further grotesque flair to Schongauer’s monstrous design of the demons. In the original text, Athanasius describes how “the demons took on frightening and monstrous forms to terrify him, appearing as wild beasts, serpents, and unnatural shapes,” though he does not provide specific details. Michelangelo thus brings his description to life with artistic embellishment using distorted hybrid creatures which merge human and animal traits: fish tails, sharp claws, horns, spiked bodies, and bat wings. One demon has the head of a fish, while another resembles a spiked reptile with red wings. These unsettling figures elevate the horror of the scene and translate Athanasius’s description of “unnatural shapes” into striking beasts. Michelangelo goes beyond the text to show the terrifying diversity of the creatures.

Demonic Features

Michelangelo faithfully captures Saint Anthony’s calm expression in the midst of a relentless demonic assault. Athanasius describes how “Anthony remained unshaken, standing firm and calling upon the Lord. He did not fear the demons, knowing that they were powerless against his faith.” In the painting, Anthony’s face appears serene. His eyes are lowered and his posture is upright, suggesting a tranquil calm despite the violence surrounding him. This detail closely mirrors the source text and symbolizes Anthony’s spiritual strength. His composed appearance and demeanor is contrasted with the frenzy of the demons around him, highlighting the steadfastness of his faith despite the temptations which attempt to sway him.

Saint Anthony's Expression

In the hands of the demons, Michelangelo and Schongauer choose to include details such as raised claws and weapons. These elevate the physicality and violence of the scene in a method not mentioned in Athanasius’s account. The text only describes how “demons beat him, leaving him bruised and battered.” This appears to suggest a struggle but not the use of weapons. Through the addition of weaponry and claws, Michelangelo turns the spiritual torment into a palpable, physical confrontation. One demon grips a cudgel while another appears ready to claw at Anthony. These elements transform the invisible battle of temptation into a violent assault, helping the viewer understand the intensity of Anthony’s ordeal.

The Demons' Weapons

Michelangelo adds a rich landscape to the background, diverging from Athanasius’s description of a barren desert. The source text places Anthony in “a dry and desolate place,” emphasizing his withdrawal from the world. However, Michelangelo includes an expansive valley with hills and a distant body of water. These additions create a mystical atmosphere rather than a literal desert. This dramatic landscape adds another layer of depth to the scene, potentially symbolizing an otherworldly realm where the struggle between good and evil takes place. The decision to include water and lush scenery might also suggest Anthony’s departure from the mundane, ordinary world. This choice, while not based on Athanasius’s text, is a creative interpretation which adds visual appeal to the painting.

Background Landscape

Summary

In The Torment of Saint Anthony, a young Michelangelo imitates Schongauer by carefully balancing an adherence to The Life of Saint Anthony by Athanasius with unique creative touches in order to dramatize and increase the visual appeal of the painting. Michelangelo represents many essential elements from the text faithfully, such as the overwhelming demonic assault and Saint Anthony’s calm expression. These depictions emphasize the message of spiritual resilience and the triumph of faith over temptation. However, both Michelangelo and Schongauer include imaginative elements which are not originally specified within the text. For example, the painting depicts animalistic demons, violent weaponry, and a lush background landscape. These decisions were likely meant to engage viewers and transform an internal spiritual struggle into a concrete, vivid battle. While Michelangelo was young at the time of its painting, we can theorize about Schongauer’s creative decisions in his original print. These depictions might have been influenced by the Renaissance’s emphasis on human-centered and dramatic depictions of religious narratives. This dramatic portrayal of Saint Anthony remaining steadfast in the face of otherworldly temptations would have appealed to an audience fascinated by expressive representatives of faith. The grotesque features of the demons would have captured the attention of those interested in the fantastical and a general interest in the darkness of the human soul. Overall, Michelangelo and Schongauer’s balance between the text and artistic elements appeals to a curious and pious audience through creating a beautiful and engaging struggle.