Botticelli (Sandro Filipepi) ca. 1445 – 1510

The Temptation of Christ

fresco (345 × 555 cm) — 1481-1482 Museum Sistine Chapel, Vatican City Twitter Share on Twitter

This work is linked to Matthew 4:1

Rate this image:

After his baptism Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness, fasting. The devil asks him to turn stone into bread, thereby proving that he is the son of God. Jesus refuses: But he answered and said: It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'

That story is depicted top left. In the top center the devil and Jesus stand on the roof of a temple. The devil challenges Jesus to let himself fall: surely he will be caught by angels. On the right the two are on a high cliff. The devil offers Jesus all kingdoms in the world.

The main part of the fresco shows an offering. It probably is the sacrifice the leper offered after he was healed by Jesus (Matthew 8:3).

On the opposing wall Botticelli made his fresco with Scenes from the Life Of Moses.