Temptation of St. Thomas

The painting "Temptation of St. Thomas" was created by the renowned Spanish Baroque artist Diego Velázquez in 1632. Today, this masterpiece can be admired at the Museum of Sacred Art of Orihuela Cathedral in southern Spain. For a long time, it was mistakenly attributed to Nicolás de Villacis, a painter from Murcia. However, in the 1920s, experts finally recognized it as an original work by Velázquez.

The artwork captures a powerful moment from the life of Saint Thomas Aquinas. It depicts the saint as a young novice, steadfastly resisting the seduction of a prostitute. In this dramatic scene, an angel is holding Saint Thomas, while another angel is about to place a white ribbon on him, symbolizing his commitment to chastity.

"The Temptation of St. Thomas" is celebrated as one of Velázquez's significant contributions to art, showcasing his exceptional skill and depth of storytelling.