The Temptation of St. Anthony Stained Glass Roundel in the Cloisters, June 2011

Roundel with the Temptation of Saint Anthony,1532

Object Details

Date: 1532

Geography: Made in Swabia

Culture: German

Medium: Colorless glass, vitreous paint and silver stain

Dimensions: Overall: 8 in. (20.3 cm)

Classification: Glass-Stained

Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1982

Accession Number: 1982.433.5


Saint Anthony Abbot's test of faith at the hands of a clutch of demons is represented here in a charming, if somewhat naive, Late Gothic style. Dressed as an abbot, the saint holds a crosier, which terminates in a tau cross and a mendicant's bell; he is surrounded by fantastical beasts. The inscription suggests that the roundel was a donation by a local priest, who kneels before the saint next to his coat of arms.

This roundel is stylistically consistent with other works known to have originated in southern Germany. The inscription names the village of Kappel and its priest in 1532.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/469866