The artwork titled “Anthony: What Is the Point of All This? The Devil: There Is No Point! (plate 18)” is a work of the artist Odilon Redon, created in the year 1896. This piece is a lithograph on paper and belongs to the Symbolism art movement. It is a religious painting with dimensions 31.1 x 25.1 cm, forming part of the series “The Temptation of Saint Anthony.” The artwork is housed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork captivates with its somber tones and ethereal quality, characteristic of Redon’s Symbolist approach. It depicts a haunting interaction between Saint Anthony and the Devil, capturing a moment described in the title where existential despair and the absence of meaning are palpably conveyed. Saint Anthony’s expression reflects a profound desolation or contemplation, resonating with the viewer and stirring deep introspection. The use of chiaroscuro in the lithography adds to the dramatic mood, with stark contrasts illuminating the figures against the dark, dreamlike background. Such a portrayal extends beyond the traditional religious iconography, inviting a deeper, psychological interpretation synonymous with the Symbolist intent to represent ideas and emotions rather than realistic scenes.
