Panel from a Triptych: St. Anthony Abbot

This companion panel depicting Saint Anthony Abbot from the 1458 triptych shows Anthony of Egypt, the third-century hermit who withdrew to the desert and became the model for all subsequent Christian monasticism. Anthony was famous for the demonic temptations he endured in the desert — the 'Temptations of Saint Anthony' became one of the most popular subjects in European painting, offering artists opportunities to depict fantastic creatures. Lippi's panel shows Anthony in his traditional brown habit with the T-staff and bell — attributes that identified him as the patron of those who kept domestic animals, whose bells echoed his own. The work reflects Lippi's ability to render individual sanctity with both theological specificity and personal warmth.

Executed in tempera on wood panel, Lippi renders the aged saint with his traditional attributes — the tau-shaped staff and bell — using refined Florentine line work and subtle chiaroscuro modeling.