The Temptation of St. Anthony: Fighting against an Invisible Enemy in Times of Corona

Abstract

The function of the immune system is to offer protection against infections. Most of these micro-organisms are invisible with the naked eye, so the immune system is fighting against an invisible enemy. A strategy which can be used when fighting against an invisible enemy is first to protect yourself and at the same time being constantly on the attack. This strategy is visualized by Jheronimus Bosch in the painting “The Temptation of Saint Antony”. An unknown figure on the lower left side of the painting is waving his sword and holding his shield, while being protected and hidden in a large metal funnel (Figure 1). On the other side of the river, Saint Antony himself is totally focused inwards, quietly scooping water in his jar. He obviously is unaware of the potential thread of invisible enemies.