The Nightmare Transported into Art: Odilon Redon’s “St. Anthony”

Odilon Redon (French, 1840–1916) made three series of prints based on Gustave Flaubert’s “Temptation of St. Anthony.” Inspired by Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s image of the early Christian ascetic being tempted repeatedly by the devil, Flaubert crafted a play-like work that provides ample material for Redon’s typical mysterious and fantastical imagery. This exhibition consisted of the complete set of Redon’s third series (1896) illustrating Flaubert’s work.