Skip to Main Content

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more.

Open today: 10am-5pm

c. 1655-1656

Saint Mary of Egypt in the Desert

David Teniers II

Flemish (active Antwerp and Brussels), 1610 - 1690

This copy of a painting by Palma il Giovane shows Saint Mary of Egypt, who spent forty-seven years in the desert to atone for a life of dissolution and prostitution. In the desert, this early Christian saint lived naked, subsisting on what she could find. Palma il Giovane's name and the dimensions of his original painting were written along the bottom of Teniers's copy but were later painted over.

This record is part of an ongoing effort to share accurate and evolving information. If you notice anything we should improve, we welcome your feedback at [email protected]

Images on this site are shared for educational use. For image rights, permissions, or to learn more about image rights and access, email [email protected]

David Teniers II, Saint Mary of Egypt in the Desert, c. 1655-1656 | Philadelphia Museum of Art