Saint Anthony the Great, Central Italy School, late 18th century. Oil painting on canvas. In excellent condition. Dimensions: cm h. 45 x 35, with frame 60 x 50. The saint, absorbed in reading, is leaning against a rock. A rocky wall serves as a backdrop, which seems illuminated by a river flowing towards the valley. The iconographic symbols of the Saint are present. Saint Anthony the Great, also known as Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Anthony of Fire, Saint Anthony of the Desert, Saint Anthony the Anchorite (Qumans, c. 251 – desert of Thebaid, 17 January 356). Egyptian abbot and hermit, considered the founder of Christian monasticism and the first of the abbots. He is credited with the permanent establishment of families of monks who, under the guidance of a spiritual father, abbà, consecrated themselves to the service of God. Iconographic symbols of Saint Anthony Abbot: Clerical habit: in relation to his choice of a hermit life and the fact that he was the forerunner of all forms of monasticism. Tau: depicted at the top of the staff or on clothing, the "Tau" cross is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and therefore an allusion to the last things and destiny. Bell: since a bell was usually used to drive away evil spirits, the symbol would allude to the temptations suffered by the Saint, to whom demons came to appear in the most terrifying forms of ferocious beasts, sinuous and captivating women, and false angelic figures. Pig and domestic animals: in relation to the Saint's patronage of these animals. Holy Scriptures: because he always lived his life in the light of the Word.