Reference: Nagler 1858-79

The engraving refers to the Gospel and more precisely to the various temptations to which the devil subjects him

Temptation to turn stones into bread (John 6:26,31)
Temptation to jump down from the temple (John 2:18)
Temptation to take the kingdoms of the world (John 6.15) “And Jesus, knowing that they were going to come and take him away to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain, he alone. »


The typographical text on the prints identifies it as an illustration for one of Geiler's 'Predigt' books, most likely the "Brösamlein von des hochgelerten Keiserpergs tisch so er in vil malen pepredigt hatt" published in Strasbourg by Grüninger in 1517 .

It seems that most of the woodcuts were already used in other publications printed by Grüninger from 1510, such as the Plenarium (1510) or Geiler's sermons on the Virgin (1512).


Painter and draftsman of woodcuts, Hans Franck was active in Basel between 1505 and 1522. A contemporary of Urs Graf, he accompanied him in numerous mercenary campaigns, including the battle of Novara in 1515. He worked in Basel mainly as a painter wall.