Temptation of Saint Anthony

According to medieval legend, Saint Anthony the Abbot lived as a hermit and withstood the horrible demonic apparitions that plagued him. This favorite subject allowed Teniers to paint imaginary creatures to convey the terrifying nature of the saint’s experience. A horned female servant interrupts St. Anthony’s prayer to point at an elegantly-dressed lady entering the scene from the left bringing a glass. The scene is attended by monsters of different sizes and types, from a flying fish on the top left to a hybrid creature making noise with a shawn. Though beautiful in first sight, the lady’s feet have talons that reveal her true nature.