Critical Essay on Torment of Saint Anthony by Michelangelo

Introduction

Myths form an inseparable and a rather meaningful position in our lives during the initial stages of life. As a matter of fact, they form a mental precept which informs our thinking, doing and belief system. Nevertheless, as our conscience matures, our minds expand and we begin to test and evaluate the credibility of the formerly meaningful myths which real since are meaningless. For instance, I had a passionate reverence for the famous painting of Michelangelo about the mythical concept about pilgrimage journey of the celebrated Christian pilgrim known as the Torment of Saint Anthony. Even though the painting captures the life of a religious person. The interesting thing which inspired me was the piece of art and the underlying story behind the painting as opposed to the religious connotation. The painting is centered on a rather mythical but interesting phenomenon. As the name Suggest Saint Anthony was tormented by demons when he was wandering in the Eastern desert of Egypt looking for his colleague Saint Paul of Thebes.

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The most interesting thing about the picture is the fact that, the monumental decision by Saint Anthony was informed by just a mere dream which changes the story to fallacy. Nevertheless, the story appeared very meaningful in my tender age and I did not find any reason to doubt the convincing truth portended by the painting. Moreover, the picture is relevant today as it meant during its perceived times. First of all, the painting explains the concept of existence as it because of its religious background. Furthermore, the painting explains the existence of supernatural powers which were tormenting Saint Anthony as outlined in the painting. However, my passion for the painting was purely based on naivety and ignorance since I was conceived to believe in everything the picture portended. Despite the horror and terror portrayed by the picture, it portrayed a fascinating image to view as a child because it contained powerful and strange looking creatures assailing the Saint Anthony.

If considered under Christian perspective, the painting demonstrates the unification of faith based on the alleged long-suffering endured by Saint Anthony. The most interesting concept which led Saint Anthony to be tortured by demons was his determination and tenacity which enabled him to resist the demons The power portrayed by this religious convictions inspired interest in my life as a child as acted as a hero in my life nevertheless.

Nevertheless, as the days advanced the conviction on mythical adherence started fainting away due to the inconsistency portrayed by the painting. The initial passion which made me to constant revere the seemingly horrific but rather interesting picture changed in my life gradually until it had no sense at all. The reason behind the loss of passion and interest on my original favorite picture is informed by the change of taste of the perceived brevity demonstrated by the Saint Anthony.

Today the picture is fake and rather stupefying, First of all, I cannot believe how Saint Anthony could just be inspired by a mere dream to go into the desert to look for his perceived fellow Saint who had been revealed through a dream. Moreover, after keen following of the story, it is clear now that the story was just a myth. Myths change with time and what seemed meaningful young minds become irrelevant at maturity.

Another thing, the painting is purely built on fallacy and demonstrates the ideas of the artists, in this case, Michelangelo but does not describe any actual idea or fact. However, it is surprising that I was convinced that the painting explains a true story. For instance, the original story from which the painting is adapted notes that the two demons which tortured Saint Anthony eventually gave up due to his tenacity and one of them decided to show him the way through the wilderness while the other bowed down and asked for a blessing from him which is purely a fallacy.

Nevertheless, today the painting, stands just as an artifact and has nothing to inspire me to blindly revere the dream. Furthermore, due to the change of technology, there are different and more interesting stories to follow as opposed to old mythical stories which have lost touch and authenticity, for instance, the painting about the perceived torment of Saint Anthony existed way back during the 271 AD. Therefore the painting has lost touch and has been overtaken by events.

Instead, there are more interesting forms of art which are relevant to the today's generation. For instance, the diversity of art as exemplified particularly in the music industry is worth following as opposed to imagined history which does not contain any proof of existence. Even though I still recognize the painting about the torment of Saint Anthony today in my collection, it does not serve any significant role in my life as it did before, it is just an artefactual ornament beautiful and appealing to the senses of touch and sight but does not portray any significant historical relevance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is imperative to note that myths are relevant but their significant change as the mental set up of an individual change. As revealed in my experience, a picture which wielded massive influence in my life has over time become an irrelevance. Nevertheless, I cannot ignore the impact it created in my belief system since unconsciously molded my disposition about art and culture. Moreover, it influenced my pattern of thinking and decision making. I have discovered that exposure is powerful and influences someone's subconscious mind because the style of drawing inspired me to believe the picture in entirety and the history behind until recently.