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Madness & Mysticism

Kirche am Steinhof, Vienna, 2016

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David Rastas, Plants for Saint Anthony's Fire, 2016
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Madness & Mysticism

Kirche am Steinhof, Vienna, Austria, 2016
Curated by David Rastas

Small seedlings are placed under the volksaltar of the Kirche am Steinhof as if to be used as an offering. The plants are those depicted in the Isenheim altarpiece which were used to treat people suffering from Saint Anthony’s Fire, a condition which caused horrific hallucinations, mania and psychosis. Plaintain, Buckhorn, Verbena, Long-headed poppy and Bulbous buttercup were used to treat Saint Anthony’s fire while Austrian speedwell, Cross-leaved gentian, White swallowwart and White clover were used to treat the often foul and putrid wounds that afflicted those suffering from the condition.

Location

David Rastas, Plants for Saint Anthony's Fire, 2016
Crypt and Main Sanctuary

David Rastas, Plants for Saint Anthony's Fire, 2016
©

David Rastas, Plants for Saint Anthony's Fire, 2016
©
Plaintain, Buckhorn, Verbena, Long-headed poppy, Bulbous buttercup, Austrian speedwell, Cross-leaved gentian, White swallowwart and White clover

David Rastas, Plants for Saint Anthony's Fire, 2016
©
David Rastas, David Rastas, 2016
©
David Rastas, Plants for Saint Anthony's Fire, 2016
©

Watch a video on the artwork